Hauritz lacking X-factor

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Spin, the area in which Australia enjoyed such a massive advantage over England during Shane Warne's career, is shaping as the tourists' biggest concern entering this year's Ashes series.

Less than a week out from the first Test, which is likely to be played on a spin-friendly wicket, off-spinner Nathan Hauritz again failed to impress in a lead-up match.

After being thrashed by Sussex last week, the rise in class against the England Lions - effectively England's second XI - at Worcester failed to bring out the best in Hauritz.

Hauritz conceded 80 runs from 18 wicketless overs as the Lions batsmen attacked the bowler they perceive as Australia's weakest link.

With Brett Lee grabbing five wickets and Peter Siddle and Mitchell Johnson considered certainties, it appears Hauritz and Stuart Clark are in a battle for the final bowling berth for Cardiff.

"Hauritz got it to turn a little bit but we went out with the game plan of making life very difficult for him and get on top of him," said Lions centurion Stephen Moore, who made 120 as an opener.

"He didn't get many to turn to spin today."

Moore said Hauritz had the attributes of a good bowler 'but without that X-factor Shane Warne had you've got that area where you can attack'.

"We felt like that, especially since they only had the three quicks," he said.

"It put a lot of pressure on them if he didn't hold up an end. By taking him down it puts the workload onto the three quicks."