THE fact that England actually have bowling plans may come as a surprise to many who have witnessed the Ashes debacle Down Under, but their theft, like Shane Warne's flipper, has left Freddie Flintoff's men in something of a spin.

The tourists, 3-0 down having surrendered the famous urn, launched an investigation yesterday into how their detailed plans for the fourth Ashes Test were leaked to Australian radio station ABC.

While they struggled to end a 279-run stand between Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symonds, giving Australia a 213-run lead at 372 for seven by the close of the second day, the management team faced embarrassment off the pitch.

Australia's leading radio station was emailed the document by an unnamed source and revealed how England plans for bowling to Symonds included the phrase "Bouncer Essential".

Their plans for Hayden suggested bowling dot balls at him to spark his "ego" and tempt him into hitting out.

England believe the plans were copied from their original and have begun an inquiry into how the situation occurred - particularly with three full-time security guards attached to the team.

England spokesman Andrew Walpole said: "There were several copies of the team bowling plans which are pinned up in the dressing room during the Test match and a copy of this plan has ended up in the possession of the media. We are continuing our investigations."

Former England all-rounder and TV pundit Ian Botham was adamant the plans had been stolen.

Discussing the matter on Sky Sports, Botham was asked about how the document was found. He replied: "You say found - it was a stolen piece of paper out of the dressing room and should not be stolen. Just who was in the dressing room and what else has been stolen?"

ABC radio commentator Jim Maxwell felt the station had done little wrong by reading out the plans on air.

Maxwell said: "It was a lovely bit of information about all the Australia batsmen and their weaknesses and what England needed to do to get them out. Unfortunately for England, it arrived during a mammoth partnership - so the plans were not working very well."

England legend Geoff Boycott, never afraid of speaking his mind, said: "If you need a list to get Shane Warne out, something is wrong with your bowlers."

à England's Ashes plan - Page 18