Justin Langer says England's win over WI can't count for much in their Ashes campaign

Former Australian opener Justin Langer warned England not to get carried away by their recent victories over the West Indies as they head into the Ashes series.

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. England beat the West Indies 2-0 in the Test series and also claimed the one-day series against a touring side who barely put up a fight. The West Indies had been late replacements for Sri Lanka and captain Chris Gayle set the tone by making it clear he would have rather been playing in the Indian Premier League.

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

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 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.

"It is always hard playing over here and it is particularly hard to bat over here in Test cricket. Australia's batsmen have to be up for the challenge and if they are I think they will win the series."