Jones: No slips...

SIMON JONES is expecting fine margins to define the Ashes — just like in 2005 when England won their first series in a generation against the Aussies.

He said: “England need to take their catches in the slips because once you give this Australian team a chance they can make you pay.

“We need to make sure that doesn’t happen. If we take our catches and win those vital moments then we’ll win the Ashes.”

The Welsh star (right) was a key member of a side that went down in history 14 glorious years ago.

England beat Australia 2-1 to seal the Ashes that summer in one of the closest Ashes series ever.

The Aussies’ fate was eventually sealed by a series of extraordinary moments, not least the run-out of Ricky Ponting by unsung hero Gary Pratt at Trent Bridge.

And Shane Warne shelling a slip catch from Kevin Pietersen with the series still in the balance in the final Test at the Oval.

“It’s those one per cent moments that can decide a series like this,” said Jones. “We saw that in 2005. You had that run-out, that final wicket at Edgbaston when Steve Harmison had Michael Kasprowicz caught behind and then that drop from Warney.

“KP hardly had any on the board at the time but went on to get the hundred that won us the series.

“Those kind of moments win or lose you a series and I think it could be the same this time around.”

Jones believes that England’s World Cup win could have a crucial bearing on the upcoming series.

“Look at the way they demolished Australia in the semifinal — that was the complete performance,” he pointed out.

“England will have so much confidence after that World Cup win. There are so many players in that side who will be involved against the Aussies and they will be absolutely buzzing after that tournament.

“The way to beat the Aussies is to take them on and attack them. And that’s what I think England will and must do. The World Cup and the Ashes in one summer... I like the sound of that!”