Countdown to The Ashes: 23 days to go

Australia ready to use two spinners to beat England

Australia are set to use Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill in a two-pronged spin attack in their attempt to regain the Ashes from England this winter.

"There is every chance we will play two," the captain Ricky Ponting said yesterday on the eve of the Champions Trophy semi-final against New Zealand.

"It is something that will suit Australia, playing two spinners together." Ponting is confident Glenn McGrath will regain his best form for the Ashes. McGrath returned last month after taking a break at the start of the year while his wife underwent cancer treatment.

"I'm happy with the way he's going," Ponting said. "He has got some good overs under his belt here and impressed with the way he bowled against India."