Australia are peaking at the right time - Warne

Shane Warne is ready for the challenge of the Ashes series and has told England they should get used to losing again. He believes Australia are peaking at the right time after a difficult start to the tour. But he said this England team is impressive and, for the first time in a long time, the players have a genuine right to think they have a chance this summer.

"Australia have played extremely well in the last couple of one-dayers and I think they have just started to peak at the right time," Warne told a packed press conference at the team hotel in London. "A few players have started to hit their straps before the Test series, which is a good sign. The Supersubs have obviously favoured the side bowling first every time but Australia have won the toss in the last two games and have played some good cricket."

Warne said the hype around this Ashes series is justified by England's recent winning form and it differs from the build-up to previous contests. "If anyone thought it was just a bit of hype about England playing Australia, the way they have played has shown they are up for a scrap, they are ready to get into our face and start fighting.

"The expectation has always been high from all the England people, because they went unbeaten last year and they think they have got a side which can compete for the Ashes for the first time since 1989. Sixteen years is a long time to really not be in a contest. All the hype with the other contests has been because they thought they had a chance but deep down they knew they didn't really. But this time they have a realistic chance."

Warne has been warming-up for the series at Hampshire and has formed a strong friendship with Kevin Pietersen, who he believes has to play. The major debate about England's team has been whether Pietersen should replace Graham Thorpe, but Warne said the decision did not have to be that cut and dried.

"They have got to make room for him, he is the most destructive player in England," he said. "Kevin and Flintoff are both destructive but I think Kevin has that X factor. I played against him a couple of times last year and when I've seen him first hand for Hampshire this year, there is just something, he just has that thing you can't quite but your finger on.

"Why can't they have Thorpe at five, Pietersen at six, Flintoff at seven, Jones at eight then Giles and two quicks. You still have Flintoff as your third seamer, you have four bowlers and some part-timers, so who says you can't fit them all in?"

However, he was quick to start the mind games, saying that he would be happy whoever he bowls against, and would enjoy Thorpe, who he has dismissed nine times in Tests. "Of course I'd rather Thorpe plays because I've got him out more times," he said, "and sometimes you need experience as well."

This is likely to be Warne's last Ashes series in England - he will be 40 by the time the next one comes around - and the Anglo-Australian contest is the ultimate for him and any other Australian player. "Suddenly England have something to cheer about and I think when No. 1 plays No. 2 it always brings out good entertaining cricket. Australia against England is what it is all about," he said.

"You can give me whatever other series you like. India, Pakistan, yes they are all great series, but to me the Ashes has always been the one and I think if you ask the guys coming over here it's something special. It always brings out the best in the Australian sides and I can't see it being any different this time."