Warne says England are “cocky” about their Ashes chances

SYDNEY - Australia spin legend Shane Warne feels England players are being “cocky” about their chances of winning the Ashes this summer, and predicts the series between the arch-rivals would be a close affair.

Warne’s comments came after former England captain Michael Vaughan termed the Ashes as just a warm-up ahead of England’s Test series against the number one Test side India in 2011.

Vaughan said the current “Australian side does not have the depth to beat the English”.

Warne had earlier acknowledged that England have the best chance of winning the Ashes Down Under this year. He, however, had something else to say to Vaughan.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever bud. Your Poms are cocky at present. Could end in tears for you all, just chill,” Warne told Vaughan on social networking site Twitter.

Another Warne post said: “Just wait until it starts. What is with the English lip? You that sure of winning? I am not sure,” said another post.

“What is wrong with it? It is going to be a great, close and thrilling series. Good luck to both teams. Lots to happen yet,” Warne added.

Meanwhile, England have planned more leisure time than they did in the last away series, which they lost 0-5.

Coach Andy Flower wants his players to cope with the pressure by taking some time off, but he will not accept anything less than hundred percent during training and tour matches.

“Andy has definitely said to us that we’re going to work very hard,” England bowler Stuart Broad said.

“When we are on, we are on. But there will be time to chill out and get mentally refreshed for all the games.”

The first Ashes starts Nov 25 at the Gabba.