Former Glamorgan fast bowler Simon Jones has admitted his fear that England will be beaten in the Ashes series by Australia.
Paul Farbrace will be in temporary charge for the Tests with New Zealand following the sacking of coach Peter Moores, ahead of the Ashes starting at Cardiff's Swalec Stadium on July 8.
Jones, who was a member of England's Ashes-winning side of 2005, says that things look bleak after a poor 18 months, which included the 5-0 whitewash to Australia Down Under, a dismal World Cup campaign and a drawn Test series with West Indies.
"Where we are at the moment is not a good place - it's a mess," Jones told BBC Sport.
"We have a lot of talent but if you haven't got guidance then you've got nothing. I played in a team where we had both guidance and talent and that's not there.
"New Zealand are going to be a very, very tough team to beat. But then we've got the Aussies, who are even better. I think we've got a really tough summer ahead and I can't see us coping with it."
Jason Gillespie is a contender to become the next coach of England.
Steven Toplis
