JON LEWIS jetted Down Under to England's Ashes holding camp in Perth, insisting Andrew Flintoff's men, who begin their Test series tomorrow (Thursday), would be returning with the little urn in the new year.

Gloucestershire skipper is among a 14-man standby party based in Western Australia which will prepare primarily for January's Twenty20 and one-day series matches.

But Lewis, 31, could also find himself thrust into battle against the Aussies should any of England's other bowling options fall victim to injury.

England have seen their build-up marred by injuries to key players and largely poor Test Match form, which sees Australia go into the series as favourite to regain the Ashes.

But seamer Lewis, hotly tipped to earn a place in England's squad for the World Cup in the West Indies in March, reckons the tourists have what it takes to retain their crown.

"It's going to be difficult down there and a much harder series than the one in England last year, but they can definitely do it,'' said Lewis, who signed an extension to his Gloucestershire deal earlier this year after guiding them to the NatWest Pro40 Second Division title.

"I think that England will retain the Ashes and that the series will be drawn.

"England fans should be optimistic. They have started to play some good cricket and there will be a hell of a lot of pressure on Australia from their own fans and media.

"If it does go wrong for them, it will turn pretty quickly. Australians are quite a fair crowd. If you are playing badly, they will let you know, but if you play well they are supportive whichever side you are on.

"There will also be loads of England fans going out there and a fair few back here putting the matchsticks in to watch on television."