Shane Warne names the two English players who can trouble Australia in the Ashes

Just around a week before the start of a new edition of one of the most awaited rivalries, when the bowlers are aware of where the block-hole is and the batters are accustomed to the smell of the leather, the fans get to see this as a one-sided affair. However, former Australian spinner, Shane Warne feels two English players holds the key to the Three Lions’ success in the upcoming Ashes.

The Gabba in Brisbane is eager to see the first ball of this edition of Ashes being bowled, an incident which will happen on 23rd November. While Steve Smith is enjoying a full strength side at the moment, England has a long list of players who are missing, Ben Stokes being the most crucial. However, David Warner and the rest of Australian batters will have to handle England’s experienced duo- Stuart Broad and James Anderson, and Warne is wise enough to know that.

“One real positive for Root’s team is a lot of them are first-time Ashes tourists so everything is exciting. They are up for a challenge. However it is two old hands who could be the key for England,” the Victorian said, as per reports in Metro.

“Anderson has struggled with the Kookaburra ball and in the Ashes generally. But watching him over the English summer I think he’s bowling better than ever. At 35, this will be his last Ashes series a player and he will be desperate to right past failures. His partner in crime, Broad, has also struggled here but he too has been in super form and, importantly, he’s got his pace back. They form a wonderful opening bowling partnership,” the 48-year-old ex-leggie former added.

Ultimately, the bat will have the final say

Warne believes that his nation can win the series, but everything will be dependant on the batting of the top 4 batters taking part in this series- Steve Smith, Joe Root, Alastair Cook and David Warner. “On paper Australia win the series, but it could come down to the main men with the bat– David Warner and Smith and Alastair Cook and Root,” the owner of 708 Test wickets told The Sun.