Shane Warne believes the uncertainty over Michael Vaughan's Ashes campaign could give Australia an edge during the upcoming series.
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Vaughan is still recovering from knee surgery but has mooted the possibility of returning mid-way through the much anticipated series. Warne believes that will be a boost for England's batting line-up but the confusion over the captaincy could work in the Australian's favour.
"Having a break away from the game to mentally freshen up will make him stronger as well. I think he could easily come in," Warne told reporters.
"It will be interesting to see what happens with the captaincy if Michael Vaughan comes back in. Will Andrew Flintoff still stay captain or does Michael Vaughan take over the reins after Andrew has done well or bad or whatever after a couple of Tests? I think that's good for us, for Australia."
Vaughan was the dominant English batsman the previous time the Ashes was played on Australian soil, making 633 runs at an average of 63.30. But while England won the subsequent 2005 series 2-1, Vaughan averaged just 32.60.
His persistent knee injuries have meant he has only played two Tests since. But he is still held in the utmost respect by the world's leading wicket-taker, who says he is a good a sportsman as he is a player.
"I remember taking my 600th wicket at Old Trafford … Michael Vaughan was at the non-striker's end, came up and shook my hand in the middle of our huddle and said, 'Congratulations'. To me that's not being too friendly, it's showing good sportsmanship," Warne said.
