Langer sounds Ashes warning

But he did back England to make it a close series and he has been impressed by the leadership of Andrew Strauss since his ex-Middlesex colleague took over the reins at a difficult time.

"I wouldn't be jumping up and down too much about their (England's) performance against the West Indies," Langer told Sportsweek on Radio Five Live. "West Indies were a poor side. They looked a disorganised side but England will go with some confidence into the series. You still have to win."

He added: "Andrew Strauss has been fantastic and his leadership has been excellent, not only tactically on the field but he is playing really well himself."

Langer warned England that Australia will be a far sterner challenge even though they are going through a rebuilding period having lost the likes of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist.

"They are big names but I think one of the strengths of Australian cricket has been its great depth," he said.

"You only have to look at a guy like Phillip Hughes who has come onto the scene and made a massive impact.

"He made a hundred in both innings of his second Test match against arguably the best fast bowling attack in the world (in South Africa).

"There are plenty of good players around and you can expect a well prepared side. They will be very competitive.

"Australian cricket has proven for well over a decade how strong they are. They in a a transition period but they (England) are in for a tough assignment. I think it will be close. Australia come over with a lot less experience than they have before."