Warne expects Siddle to pave way

"Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle make a very inexperienced attack first off. I think Brett Lee and Stuart Clark may both be in contention for places," said The spin legend Shane Warne.

"It will be interesting to see whether Australia risk Lee or save him for the final game at the Oval. That way he could have a practice game against the England Lions at Canterbury before a big five-day Test.

"Siddle made a really good start to his Test career, but his inconsistency over the three games has been disappointing. He hasn't always been aggressive and while I think he has a big future for Australia, I wouldn't be surprised to see either Clark or Lee take his place for now," he said.

"I think that both sides will be looking at their bowling attacks before Headingley. England will no doubt start as favourites given what has happened so far. Australia need to find a way of taking 20 wickets to get back into the series," Warne said.

"Of all the grounds in England, Headingley is the place where conditions can most help the bowlers. I sometimes found it a horrible place to bat, with the ball swinging and jagging and bouncing. The new ball is crucial and I still believe that if Australia can get to the England middle order early they have a great chance," Warne said.

"Clarke has really impressed me over here. He was always going to be an important player because of his all-round ability and technique against spin, but he has matured as a cricketer even during the tour...He has played 50 Tests now and he is clearly thriving on the responsibility of being vice-captain," Warne said.

"He deserves to be up there with the Borders, Greg Chappells, David Boons and a few others. He is a gritty, determined player, one of the best," Warne said.

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