Hodge defends disastrous tour

Veteran batsman Brad Hodge believes Australia's one-day international series loss to England will mean little when the battle for the Ashes starts next year.

England warmed up for the 2013 Ashes series with a 4-0 whitewash over a disappointing Australian side and will head into next year's cricket showpiece as strong favourites to retain the urn.

But Hodge said Australia's performance in England was hindered by poor weather and better preparation in 12 months time should hold them in good stead.

"Their performances have been a little bit disappointing, but there were a number of factors contributing to that," Hodge said.

"The weather just didn't allow them to prepare properly.

"I spoke to a friend who said James Pattinson had had only one bowl outside because of the conditions.

"Unfortunately cricket is such a fickle game so when you don't prepare properly, things tend to go wrong.

"That is exactly what has happened."

Hodge said England were in peak form at the moment, but believes Australia will be more than capable of matching their fierce rival in the five-day format of the game when the Ashes begins at Trent Bridge in July 2013.

"Australia have just got to regroup and get the structures right and then they should be fine," he said.

"England right in the heart of their summer hit good form and played well.

"But I wouldn't look too much into the recent performances as all factors seemed to go on to England's favour."

"They (Australia) went into this series with high hopes, but they didn't get the match practice that they wanted."