England pose Ashes threat - Waugh

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh believes England have the talent to challenge the Aussies in next year's Ashes series.

But Waugh insists England need to rediscover their stability and have a fully fit Andrew Flintoff available if they want to wrest the urn back.

Waugh told BBC Sport: "Flintoff seems to lift the whole team.

"England have blown hot and cold the last couple of years. They've the talent but need to raise their game."

"I like Alastair Cook and Paul Collingwood adds steel to the middle order and I've been amazed at how Ryan Sidebottom has improved and re-defined himself," he added.

Although still a year away, the England and Australia line-ups will both look radically different to England's triumph in 2005 and Australia's 18 months later.

Australia on the other hand have waved goodbye to Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.

Waugh said: "It's been a smooth transition for Australia. The players have had a lot of experience at county level so they are not intimidated by moving up to the next level."

It is more than four years since record-breaking captain Waugh played in his 168th and last Test.

He played in two Lord's Tests for Australia, making 152 not out in 1989 and then suffering a first-ball duck in 1997, but there is no doubt the home of cricket still holds a special place in his heart.

The 42-year-old has been in London at a meeting of the MCC's world cricket committee, a role which he takes very seriously, but will also catch the first Test between England and New Zealand.

He said: "There's definitely something about Lord's. It's a special place which has the X-factor.

"I have good and bad memories of my performances here but it certainly is a unique place."

Waugh has brought his family over and his eight-year-old son Austin will get his first taste of cricket at Lord's.

But Austin has his eye on a bigger sporting occasion - Saturday's FA Cup between Portsmouth and Cardiff City.

"He's mad on soccer," sighed Waugh. "So I'm desperately trying to get tickets for the final so he can watch a live match."