Simon Katich is banking on Australia learning the lessons of 2005 and being better prepared for England's swing threat.

The 33-year-old left-hander was a member of Australia's beaten squad four years ago when England's formidable attack used traditional and reverse swing to claim their first Ashes triumph since 1986/87.

But as Australia start their build-up for this year's series, which begins in Cardiff on July 8, they are conscious of the need to find a way to combat England's ability to swing the ball if they are not to suffer a similar fate to 2005.

Katich boosted by extra life

"We've not sat down as yet and gone through all that sort of stuff, but I think the bottom line is that the ball does swing here depending on the overhead conditions and we know that," admitted Katich, who averaged just 27 in 2005 as a middle order batsman.

"It's something we're definitely going to have to counter as batsmen before the first Test.

"There's no doubt we'll be talking about that, but also try to put it into practice in the next couple of weeks at Hove and at Worcester."

This time Australia have a player in left-arm seamer Mitchell Johnson who is capable of matching England's swing.

They also have bowling coach Troy Cooley, who last time was in the opposition camp, to help them exploit swing-friendly conditions.

"A lot will depend on the conditions" 

"If it's overcast the ball will swing around normally and if it's dry and the wicket's abrasive then the ball definitely reverses here as well," said Katich.

"A lot will depend on the conditions but both teams will be looking to try and exploit that.

"Mitchell is definitely swinging the ball away from the left-hander and that is a positive for us."

Katich, who has now re-invented himself as an opener and has averaged 54.19 in his last 15 Tests in that position, will play a key role in helping Australia combat England's new-look attack.

Since they last met in 2006/07, when Australia recorded a 5-0 whitewash, England's line-up has changed with Matthew Hoggard and Steve Harmison unlikely to feature in the first Test having played in the last series.

"England have got a freshness"

England will instead rely on James Anderson's ability to swing the ball, backed up by Stuart Broad and possibly Ryan Sidebottom, while they are hopeful Andrew Flintoff will be fit enough to make his Test comeback in Cardiff.

"I think England have got a freshness about them with a few new faces," conceded Katich.

"Jimmy Anderson is back to full fitness and bowling well, bowling really well, and Graham Onions did well on his debut at Lord's.

"There are a few other guys who have been playing well in the last 12 months like Sidebottom, Broad and (Graeme) Swann. Like last time, they've got a well balanced attack and if Freddie is fit he tops it all off."