Shane Warne has claimed that Australia can beat England if Alastair Cook continues his "negative, boring" style of captaincy.

The former leg spinner believes that the 28-year-old is too cautious in his approach and feels that will be a weakness for the tourists Down Under.

"When I'm asked my opinion I'll tell you what I think and that is Alastair Cook needs to be more imaginative," the 44-year-old told reporters.

"Alastair Cook can be negative, boring and not very imaginative, still win and be very happy. I think if Australia play well and he continues to captain the way he does, I think they are going to lose the series. I don't think he can captain the side like that.

"I think he lets the game drift. He waits for the game to come to him. To me, I don't like that style of captaincy and when you're playing against the best sides in the world under pressure it won't hold up."

The first Ashes Test gets underway in Brisbane on November 21.