Warne: Ashes series could be closest for years Photo © AFP

Shane Warne has suggested that next summer's Ashes series could be the closest for years.

The Australian leg-spinner, talking to BBC Radio Five Live, paid tribute to the newcomers in the English team in particular: "Trescothick has done well and grabbed his chance," he said, "and if Vaughan is fit he can play alongside Atherton, Stewart and Thorpe to give England six good batsmen – though Hussain needs to make some runs."

"Caddick, Gough, White and Giles are all good bowlers, and if Mullally can regain fitness England have a strong attack," Warne continued.

However, he also commented that Australia would start the series as favourites, and that there would be "no complacency" within the squad. "There's no secret to our success. We just have great belief and confidence," he said.

There was more bad news for England when Warne announced that he is: "bowling as well as I ever have. I'm thoroughly enjoying myself and I think that's the key thing. You don't know what's down the track, you never want to get too far ahead of yourself but I think I've still got a good two or three years left in international cricket."

Warne has just recovered from a broken finger, but even without him Australia managed a 5-0 "whitewash" over the West Indies.

Warne also expressed a desire to return to county cricket with Hampshire. He took 70 first-class wickets during the 2000 season, but could not prevent a disappointing summer for the club.

"I'd love the opportunity to play county cricket again," said Warne. "Obviously international cricket is our number one priority but, if we have an off-season, which hopefully we will have in 2002, then I might don the colours again."

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