Alastair Cook: 'Australia defeat is irrelevant'

England Test captain Alastair Cook has warned that Australia's recent 4-0 Test defeat to India is "irrelevant" ahead of this summer's Ashes series.

The Baggy Greens endured a tough tour both on and off the field, with vice-captain Shane Watson being sent home along with three other players for failing to provide performance feedback to coach Mickey Arthur.

Watson was restored to the side for the final test, which India won by six wickets to wrap up a series whitewash. However, Cook believes that the result will have little effect on the build-up to the Ashes.

"I wouldn't read too much into what happened in India with Australia," Cook told Sky Sports News.

"They are going to be a very tough side to beat. They have got some world-class players. The Ashes is a unique event so hopefully it will bring the best out of both sides.

"The favourites stuff is all off the field. You can read all you want about that sort of stuff but it is irrelevant."

The Ashes series begins on July 10 at Trent Bridge.