England coach Andy Flower Monday laughed off suggestions champion legspinner Shane Warne could make a shock Ashes comeback as Australia become increasingly desperate to find a way to win back the prized urn.

The Warne sideshow has reached fever pitch in Australia as the once dominant cricket nation contemplates a worrying 1-0 deficit after two Ashes Tests, leading to growing calls for the 41-year-old to return in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG in Melbourne.