Warne backs England's Ashes chances

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Australia legend Shane Warne believes the settled nature of England's squad gives them a great chance of securing a first Ashes series win Down Under since 1987.

Warne, who took 708 Test wickets in his 15-year career, was part of the Australia side that whitewashed England 5-0 on their last trip to face their old rivals, but believes this winter's series could be very different.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Warne said: "If all things come together then this could be England's best shot at winning the Ashes in Australia for a very long time.

"England have been building this squad for a while and that is a good thing. They have had the same people together for some time so they know what to expect from each other, the players know how the captain and coach work, and the system the team plays.

"That usually means team spirit is good and newcomers are easily absorbed into the set-up, which is so important on a tour to Australia."

Warne also feels that Surrey paceman Chris Tremlett is capable of having a real impact on the series after being recalled to the squad.

Tremlett last played for England in 2007 but Warne, who captained the 29-year-old at Hampshire, says the tall seamer will be a genuine threat if he bowls with aggression.

He added: "Everyone in English cricket has known for a while that if the penny drops for Chris, then he can be a world beater.

"And I believe, if he has learned his lesson, then he could be the number one bowler in the world. Serious. He is that good.

"Tremlett has a great chance in those early warm-up games to take wickets and put pressure on Steven Finn."