London: Australian opener Matthew Hayden believes England were an arrogant side under Nasser Hussain but have improved to become a more sociable team under the leadership of Michael Vaughan.
''When England were led by Nasser (Hussain), they weren't sociable. They were scared to talk,'' he said in an interview.
"We felt they were always reasonably arrogant. They had no character about them. Australia were pretty dismissive of that side and the ones previous," he added.
"However, this England side has a bit of spunk. They enjoy playing their cricket, they are good mates like we are."
But Hayden does not rate the Ashes rivals very highly for their on-field performance and believes that the current captain Andrew Flintoff carries the team and is a huge influence on the side.
"Freddie Flintoff had an enormous (Ashes) series. I think he carries England and that is a big responsibility. It was a good reminder for Australia to keep our standards, keep our levels," he said.
Hayden maintained that despite losing the Ashes last summer his World Champion team was better then England.
"This Australian side is an amazing side."
"England are a very good team, but Australia are better. The records of the individuals alone reveal that," he added.
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