Nobody fears touring Australia now: Warne

Joe Root and other red-ball specialists in England's Test squad land in Australia on Friday, marking the start of a tour that has been eagerly anticipated since the rivals' drawn series in 2019.

Warne believes Australia should rightly enter the five-Test series, beginning in Brisbane on December 8, as favourites.

But the legendary legspinner is worried about Tim Paine's team, pointing to the manner in which "India C" recorded a stirring series win at the Gabba in January.

"No one fears Australia any more," Warne said on Fox Sports.

"Coming to Australia, everyone used to go 'oh God, we're going to have to be at our best to even compete'.

"Now they just believe they can beat Australia, every side.

"Our side is not that great.

"Their (England's) batting looks really weak, but Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler has this sort of (Twenty20 World Cup) form; suddenly they're looking pretty good.

"It's going to be very, very close, I think it's going to be a good Ashes series."

Root was not as frank in his pre-departure press conference but expressed somewhat similar sentiments.

"They (India) didn't take a backward step at any stage (in 2020-21) ... it just proves to the rest of the world that it's not a place you can't go and win," Root said.

Warne listed several concerns, pointing to an Australian XI that has "a lot of gaps", while he was particularly scathing of Paine.

"He's had a shocker the last couple of years as captain, tactically he's been very poor," Warne said.

"Lost two series, can't make a run.

"Pat Cummins looks short of a gallop. We know he's going to come good because he's world class.

"But (Mitchell) Starc's nowhere ... we've got (David) Warner, not making a run."

Paine is yet to play a game this season as he continues to recover from neck surgery.

Australian Associated Press