Buchanan won three Ashes series out of four as Australia coach

England have appointed former Australia coach John Buchanan as a consultant to help them work out a plan to win this winter's Ashes series in Australia.

England currently hold the Ashes after their 2-1 win in 2009 but have not won a Test series in Australia since Mike Gatting's side triumphed in 1986-87.

Buchanan, 57, coached his country from 2001 to 2007 and won three out of four Ashes series, only losing in 2005.

An England spokesman said on Sunday he would be arriving "within 48 hours".

Buchanan, who also won the World Cup twice, helped England in a consultancy capacity last summer, but it is anticipated he will take on a significantly bigger role this time round.

The former Middlesex coach will assist England team director Andy Flower in formulating his plans for the winter.

Buchanan is renowned for his technical theories and use of psychology, but has divided opinion and former Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne remains an outspoken critic of the coach's approach.

Buchanan joins fellow Australia David Saker, who is the bowling coach, in the England set-up.

The first Test of the five-match series starts in Brisbane on 25 November.

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