He might have shifted loyalties to England but former Australia coach John Buchanan remains a fan of skipper Ricky Ponting.

And, he expects Ponting's leadership to become more assertive in the Ashes beginning next week.

Buchanan, a consultant with the England Lions team, heaped praise on Ponting and said the diminutive right-hander would prove his captaincy skills in the series starting July 8.

"He is determined to turn the tables for (the defeat in England in) 2005," Buchanan was quoted as saying by 'The Times'.

"When he led Australia in the past two Ashes, he was surrounded by good lieutenants, but he is now ready to take the captaincy issue forward and move from a consultative style to one of more direct leadership."

Describing himself as a fan of Ponting, Buchanan said he looks to be in firm control of the team.

"I've always been a great fan of Ricky. He is an outstanding team man and he brings that to his leadership style, but it is clear this is now his team," he said.