Spin could be key for England in the Ashes

It's been a long time since English spin bowlers have had an impact on an Ashes series, but it looks as though that could change this summer, writes Shane Warne in the Times.

Swann has the added advantage that he turns the ball away from left-handers, and Australia will be bringing a few of those in their top order for the Ashes. From the way he's done against the West Indies' lefties, it seems as though he enjoys bowling at them and people such as Phillip Hughes, Simon Katich and Mike Hussey will be key wickets for England to take. Australia's batsmen have struggled against off spin before.

Andy Flower and Andrew Strauss have been given the chance to shape the side for the Ashes with a free hand, writes Mike Selvey in the Guardian.

It is Flintoff's absence that is most intriguing. Not only are Flower and Strauss attempting to balance the books in his absence. They are also wondering how to do so when he is fit once more or, perish the thought, whether he is indeed indispensable. Yet again England won without him. He is no longer the talisman he was. One bowler who replaced him, Graham Onions, took seven wickets at Lord's on his debut, which Flintoff has achieved only four times in 75 matches. Bopara, who batted at six in his stead in Bridgetown, made a hundred there, which Flintoff has not done for four years. It is instructive. Two people cannot replace one but as much as anything, Flower and Strauss are planning for life after Fred.