Daily Cricket News

England not afriad of Aussies: Broad

Perth: England paceman Stuart Broad said on Monday he was approaching this month's Ashes series with no fear and was ready for the challenge against Australia.

The temperamental bowling giant said his teammates will thrive on any Australian taunts during the five Tests as England search for their first series win Down Under in 23 years.

England last won a Test series in Australia in 1986-87 and their last tour to the Lucky Country finished in a humiliating 5-0 whitewash.

The Nottinghamshire firebrand said anything the Aussies dished out would only serve as motivation for the England team.

"I'd expect the Aussies to get under each of our players' skin, but it's not something we're scared of, it's something we're going to thrive on," Broad told reporters on Monday.

"I'm certainly coming here without any fear and just looking to enjoy the experience.

"It's good we've had some players who have been here before to share their experiences and communicate with the boys about where we can improve.

"But it's a different group from last time, it's a different set-up. So we are coming here confident."

Broad, 24, said England were under no illusions about how tough the coming months would be for Andrew Strauss's team.

"I mean Australia are one of the best teams in the world and we as an England team want to become the best team in the world," he said.

"So you can only do that by coming here and performing strongly."

Broad, who was docked 50 percent of his match fee earlier this year for petulantly throwing the ball at batsman Zulqarnain Haider during the second Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston last August, said he would have to keep his emotions in check in what is shaping up to be a tense series.

"I know I bowl at my best when I'm in a bit of a bubble and emotionally competitive," he said.

"But obviously I need to find the right balance to that."

Broad has become a key member of England's Test set-up since breaking through for his debut three years ago, averaging 28 with the bat and taking 97 wickets at 34 in 32 Tests.

He starred in England's Ashes win last year, claiming 5-37 to help skittle out Australia for 160 in the first innings of the fifth and deciding Test at The Oval.

England had a minor scare at Monday's training when leading spinner Graeme Swann took a painful blow to his right thumb while batting in the WACA Ground nets.

However, an England team spokesman said the injury was not serious and Swann was expected to be available for the three-day match against Western Australia starting on Friday.

"Yeah, he's fine. It's just a bit of precautionary strapping," Broad said.

"I don't think he's in any trouble at all. He just got a bit of a blow, which you're used to.

"I think he's pleased his thumb got him out of the running (session)."