Warne urges England to attack

Shane Warne today criticised the balance of the England team, saying the selectors have been too cautious.

With England 2-0 down in the Ashes series, coach Duncan Fletcher, captain Nasser Hussain and chairman of selectors David Graveney are already under pressure as they decide whether to stick with the old guard or bring in fresh talent for the Third Test next week.

Now Warne has said England should completely rethink their approach, even though they have mirrored the tourists with seven recognised batsmen.

Warne said: "England need to remember that to win ultimately you need to take 20 wickets and to play with seven batsmen is a safety-first option.

"Craig White should be batting at seven and there should be three seamers and a spinner. Not playing a spinner is short thinking. Regardless of the pitch there's always a second innings and there's always a bit of rough to exploit. I am surprised Alan Mullally has not got in. I watched him bowl last year and cannot understand why he is not playing.

"He's just the sort of bowler England need, and being a left armer he can do different things. I know England are a little bit frustrated with their injury problems and that they are not playing to their best but we have not allowed them to play to their best.