Former England captain Michael Vaughan has insisted that Australia will regain The Ashes if they win the third Test at Edgbaston this week.

The series is currently locked at 1-1, and the tourists will be confident after their heavy win at Lord's last time out.

Vaughan wrote in The Telegraph: "If it is Australia 2-1 up then they will be impossible to stop. Remember they only have to draw the series to retain the Ashes so they have that advantage on their side.

"But also if they win this week the momentum will be behind them. Their attack will only get better and better as their confidence rises and it will be very difficult for England to lift themselves.

"To stop that happening England have to hit them hard on day one. I always say the first day is important but it is borne out by results. The team winning the first day of the first two Tests of this series has gone on to win the match."

Australia have not won a series in England since 2001.