With England's cricketers preparing for the second stage in their back to back Ashes series, Graeme Swann has spoken about the upcoming series.

After entering the international game at a time where Australia were the dominant force, he has welcomed the recent shift in power in favour of England.

"Sometimes I have to pinch myself that I'm playing in an era like this," said Swann.

"Australia seemed almost invincible when I was growing up, and you knew it was going to be 3-0 or 4-1 when the Ashes came round.

"We had some good players in those days but as a young cricketer you never really aspired to win it.

"To be playing in an era in which we have won it three times in a row, I sometimes find hard to believe."

England's 3-0 dismantling of Australia this summer will see them travel across the world as firm favourites and while remaining wary of their hosts, Swann appeared optimistic of England's strength seeing them past their rivals once more.

"If we're expected to beat them then that's a very good sign," he said.

"We are going out there with the score at 0-0 and we are certainly not taking anything for granted, but if we are going as favourites then it is much better than going there as the underdogs."

England, along with Nottinghamshire's Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad, return to Trent Bridge next summer for two matches against India. Trent Bridge will host the first Test of the five-match series, as well as a One Day International.