Buchanan replaced Geoff Marsh as Australia coach in 1999

Since regaining the famour urn last summer England have not won a series.

They will be without captain Michael Vaughan in Australia and possibly Ashley Giles and Simon Jones.

Buchanan said: "You can't read too much into how they're currently playing. They will be relishing the challenge of trying to win without Vaughan."

Vaughan's tactical acumen was a key factor in England's memorable 2-1 success against the Australians last time round.

Since that epic series, however, England have been beaten in Pakistan, drew in India and at home earlier this summer held 1-1 by Sri Lanka, before being whitewashed 5-0 in the one-day series.

They will have months to prepare and plan for not having him for the Ashes - and there are plenty of other dangermen in their side John Buchanan

Vaughan missed the first Test in Pakistan and has not played for England since the final match of that series.

He has now been ruled out until 2007, with Giles and Jones still battling to overcome serious injuries to be in contention against the Australians.

"There is no doubt Vaughan is a very important player and is rated exceptionally in terms of his captaincy," said Buchanan, who is hoping to have one of his own talismen, Glenn McGrath, available to face England.

"However, they will have months to prepare and plan for not having him for the Ashes - and there are plenty of other danger men in their side."