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BRISBANE, Australia, Friday (Reuters) - Former Australia.batsman Stuart Law says England need to show a big improvement to win the Ashes series and they badly need a top-class spinner.

"They're hyping it up as the biggest test series but they're going to have to lift from what happened during their summer," Law, who has just returned from a season with Lancashire, was quoted as saying by Australian Associated Press.

"They tied India 1-1 at home and if they think that's going to be good enough when they come to Australia, they probably should think again.

"But they've got the personnel if they can forget about things outside cricket and they've got some young cricketers who can learn a lot.

"I've got no predictions about who will win the (five-test) series but they're definitely starting to get a quality, class outfit together," said batsman Law who played one test and 54 one-day internationals.

Graham Thorpe's absence would hurt England's middle order, Law said, although Marcus Trescothick and Michael Vaughan will provide a strong top order.

"One thing they do lack is a decent spinner," Law said. "Ashley Giles' main job is to bowl maidens and, on the pitches here, he's not going to get the same help he's got in other places."

Australia have won seven successive Ashes series against England since 1989. Bookmakers William Hill this month listed Australia as 2-9 favourites to win the Ashes series, which starts with the first test in Brisbane on November 7. 

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