Former Australian opener Justin Langer warned England not to get carried away by their recent victories over the West Indies as they head into the Ashes series.

But he did back England to make it a close series and he has been impressed by the leadership of Andrew Strauss since his ex-Middlesex colleague took over the reins at a difficult time.

England beat the West Indies 2-0 in the Test series and also claimed the one-day series against a touring side who barely put up a fight.

The West Indies had been late replacements for Sri Lanka and captain Chris Gayle set the tone by making it clear he would have rather been playing in the Indian Premier League.

Langer said: ‘‘I wouldn’t be jumping up and down too much about their (England’s) performance against the West Indies.

‘‘West Indies were a poor side. They looked a disorganised side but England will go with some confidence into the series. You still have to win.

‘‘Andrew Strauss has been fantastic and his leadership has been excellent, not only tactically on the field but he is playing really well himself.’’ Langer warned England that Australia will be a far sterner challenge even though they’re going through a rebuilding period having lost the likes of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist.

‘‘They are big names but I think one of the strengths of Australian cricket has been its great depth,’’ he said.

‘‘You only have to look at a guy like Phillip Hughes who has come onto the scene and made a massive impact.

‘‘I think it will be close.

Australia come over with a lot less experience than they have before.

‘‘It’s always hard playing over here, and it is particularly hard to bat here in Test cricket. Australia’s batsmen have to be up for the challenge and if they are I think they will win the series.’’