Merlyn the machine recreates the bowling of Shane Warne

Big hitters Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen are among those who have been honing their skills on a new-look bowling machine called Merlyn.

Merlyn, which can recreate the spin of Warne as well as the pace of Brett Lee, has been 15 years in the making.

It has been designed by Henry Pryor, from Hay-on-Wye in Powys.

Mr Pryor, 71, said England's batsmen used the machine for two days before the Lords test and then again at Egbaston.

"Nearly all the players have used it - some more than others," he said.

When England win the Ashes, there will be a huge cry going out from Hay-on-Wye Henry Pryor

"If they like it, I am very glad.

"It was invented with a view that it could do everything a human cricketer can do - in swinger, out swinger, seamer-type, leg breaks and leg cutters.

"It took a long while to realise how to do it - we have to apply torque to the ball."

England levelled the series in a thrilling match on Sunday, and the series continues at Old Trafford on Thursday.

With just one machine in existence, Mr Pryor is currently driving it around between the different grounds in a horse box, but said he would not be allowing the Australians to borrow it.

England captain Michael Vaughan using the machine

"We just have the prototype, but I wouldn't offer it to the Australians - when and if it is on the market, they can buy it," he said.

As for the name, he said it seemed like an obvious choice.

"He is rather magical - I have really enjoyed playing with it."

However, it is not finished yet.

"It does need a bit more designing," said Mr Pryor.

And he said it could be programmed to recreate the way bowlers try to draw batsmen into playing certain types of shots over the course of an over.

But he said he would not be building 'sledging' into it, mainly because he cannot do an Australian accent.

And, despite the fact that Andrew Flintoff nearly smashed the machine with one shot, he said he hoped England would go on to beat Australia.

"When England win the Ashes, there will be a huge cry going out from Hay-on-Wye," he said.

"Like any England enthusiast, I hope they will win."