Cook says Warner poses 'serious threat' for England in return Ashes series

England skipper Alastair Cook has admitted that his team cannot afford to let Australian blaster David Warner off the leash if they are to achieve their dream of winning a fourth consecutive Ashes series Down Under.

According to News.com.au, the powerful left-hander hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons in England earlier this year, with his late-night attack on England's Joe Root resulting in exile from the first two Tests.

When he was finally welcomed back, Warner averaged just 23 with the bat as Australia crashed to a 3-0 series loss, the report said.

Warner turns 27 on Sunday and is entering the prime of his career, the report added.

If he can inspire Australia to Ashes victory, it would be the making of him and he definitely has the potential, the report further said.

Against India last year, Warner cracked 180 off just 159 balls to lift Australia to an innings triumph at the WACA Ground, according to the report.

Cook said that Warner was a dangerous batter, because he obviously looks to attack from ball one, adding that if he gets going, he scores very quickly.

The England captain added that his team had got some pretty good plans to him, adding that he was a good player with a good record and so the English team had to make sure he does not have those days.