England cricket team can win Ashes, says Faf du Plessis

After seeing his South African cricket team beaten 3-1 by England, Faf du Plessis says Joe Root’s men can retain the Ashes

England’s relentlessness makes them a strong bet for the upcoming Ashes series with Australia, according to South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis.

Moeen Ali (R) and Alastair Cook (L) look on after England won the fourth Test match against South Africa at Old Trafford cricket ground in Manchester on Monday. Moeen Ali completed a brilliant series with a five-wicket haul as England beat South Africa by 177 runs. Victory, achieved with more than a day to spare, also saw England take the four-match series 3-1, with Joe Root triumphant in his first series as England captain. (AFP)

Joe Root’s first series as Test captain saw England comfortably beat South Africa 3-1, the triumph wrapped up at Old Trafford on Monday with a 177-run win.

Apart from the second match at Trent Bridge, England cricket team outplayed the Proteas in all departments with Moeen Ali their stand-out performer with bat and ball.

Faf du Plessis acknowledged his side were second best to the improving England, and he believes they stand a good chance of retaining the Ashes should they maintain their current form when they travel to Australia in November.

South Africa's Duanne Olivier, right, is caught by England's Ben Stokes, 2nd left, as England win the fourth Test match at Old Trafford in Manchester, Monday. (AP)

“If you have assistance and skill, which England’s bowlers have, you can target Australia’s batting line-up,” Du Plessis told BBC Sport.

“They are relentless and our batting line-up wasn’t strong enough for them.

“Australia have fiery and quick batsmen so England will need to get through them. (But) I think England could be Ashes winners. They have a balanced team.

“I think it’s dependent on the conditions (though).

“I’ve always felt Australia as a team play really well on flat wickets, bouncy flat wickets, (but) if the conditions allow a bit of seam and swing and spin, then I think England will be favourites.”