Shane Warne predicts cracker of an Ashes series

Former Australian leg spinner Shane Warne believes that a cracker of an Ashes Test series is likely between England and Australia, as the Poms no longer fear the Kangaroos.

“England have a good chance of winning the first Test in Brisbane because they've brought a major change with them for this series - attitude. They are not intimidated by the Australia attack and honestly believe they are a better team. They were embarrassed here in the last series, losing 5-0. This time they believe they can win. And let me tell you - in sport, self-belief is half the battle,” says Warne writes.

Their whole approach proves they are confident. They've won all their lead-up games, they hold the Ashes and they beat Australia in the Twenty20 World Cup.

Warne believes captaincy and tactics will be the difference in who wins.

“Both leaders - Ricky Ponting and Andrew Strauss - have the opportunity to show their tactical skills and mettle by leading from the front with the bat, then their brains. England's best chance to bowl Australia out twice is at the Gabba because the ball swings. It offers a bit of seam movement and can spin early too, which could suit them. It will be a tough ask because Australia haven't lost at the Gabba in 21 years,” he says.

Australia, on the other hand, he says need to jell as quickly as they can, stick together and come out fighting with super-aggressive cricket, make a statement early to the very cocky but friendly Poms.

I think both batting line-ups will be fine, the concern for the skippers will be the bowling.

However, he believes Australia will win the series - by one Test.