Australian coach John Buchanan believes England has improved by learning how to play without injured star Andrew Flintoff.
Buchanan was impressed with England's performances in the recent Test series against Pakistan.
"What we've seen is a gradual build-up in the way they're playing, teamwork, and responsibility being shared," he told The Sydney Morning Herald.
Flintoff has had ankle surgery and is expected to make his return in the Ashes series later this year.
Buchanan added: "It hasn't been a case of turning to Flintoff all the time to take a wicket or turning to Steve Harmison or Kevin Pietersen to deliver something."
"They've actually had the ability to share it around - the likes of Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Monty Panesar and now Chris Read's come in."
"I think they would be very, very pleased with the outcomes of their summer, knowing that they've still got a couple of players, particularly Flintoff, who are convalescing and getting themselves ready for the Ashes."
Young batsmen Bell and Cook have scored five centuries between them against Pakistan, while left-arm spinner Panesar has taken 16 wickets.
Buchanan is holding a 'commando-style' training camp in Queensland this month, to try and get away from some of the distractions that hampered their performances in England last year.
The first Test of the five-match series begins on November 23 in Brisbane.
