Warne is past his peak - Hussain

Hussain (right) says Warne retains the ability to out-think people

Former captain Nasser Hussain says England must forget about Shane Warne's reputation when they face the spinner during the Ashes Test series.

Warne, 35, has been a key figure in Australia's run of eight successive Ashes series victories.

But Hussain told Wisden Cricketer magazine: "I reckon Warne was at his best about 10 years ago.

"Now his bowling doesn't have the same fizz, and he hasn't got the flipper after his shoulder operations."

Warne is the world's leading Test wicket-taker with 583 wickets, and has already taken 41 wickets in county cricket this year as captain of Hampshire.

"He's still a pretty good bowler because he has more guile and can out-think people.

"He has developed this straight-on delivery that comes out the front of the hand and drifts in, to get batsmen lbw as they play what they think is a perfect forward-defensive.

"We must be wary that we don't end up playing Shane Warne the myth rather than Shane Warne the leg-spinner."

Flintoff is important because he is the talisman who can lift the crowd Nasser Hussain

Hussain believes pace bowler Stephen Harmison and all-rounder Andrew Flintoff hold the key for England.

"We need Harmison to fire out one of the Australian batsmen and do it consistently.

"The Australians have always said to me that if Harmison gets it right he'll be a real handful, so I think they'll have respect for him, and bounce always gets players out whereas [Matthew] Hoggard might struggle if it doesn't swing.

"Flintoff is important, even though there are now performers throughout the side, because he is the talisman who can lift the crowd."

Hussain singled out wicket-keeper/batsman Adam Gilchrist, who hit a century in Tuesday's final one-day match, as Australia's most dangerous player.

"For me, Gilchrist is one of the greatest ever, and that is a huge statement," he added.

"If Australia are 400-5 who is the last person you want coming out? Adam Gilchrist. If they are 150-5, who is the last person you want coming out? Adam Gilchrist.

"He'll hit a hundred off 120 balls when the opposition have them five down and think they are through. It deflates you."