Follow UsHarry Brook, one of the mainstays in England's batting unit for the much-awaited Ashes series, is excited by the prospect of playing against the Australian quicks and aims to dominate proceedings in the first Test starting on June 16, at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
The right-handed batter is relishing the opportunity to don the England whites in the marquee series, which he has grown up watching and enjoying the most.
"It's a dream come true to be involved in my first Ashes. Growing up, I was watching some of these players who are still playing against the best in the world and the best Australians. I'm looking forward to it," he said, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.
"I feel like I'm more part of the team now. Obviously, as a deputy, you don't quite feel like you're meant to be there, if you know what I mean. So to have been contributing and gain a few match-winning performances this winter has meant the world, and I feel a big part of the team now," he added.
The 24-year-old is unfazed by the past record and feels it will suit England's rejigged style of play under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes.
"They might have a little bit of extra pace, but if they bowl quicker, it tends to go to the boundary quicker. They will be the best and sharpest he has faced so far. And he doesn't seem all that bothered by them at all.
England have adopted an aggressive style of play in the last 12 months, and one of the challenges for Brook will be from ace Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon. However, the youngster is keen to take it one ball at a time and not plan much heading into the first game.
"If I get a good ball, I'm going to try and survive against that good ball, and if he bowls me a bad ball, I'll try and hit it for four or six. So it's not necessarily I'm going to come after him and try and hit every ball for six. I'm going to respect the bowler and whatever he bowls, and if it is a bad ball, I'll try and hit it for six," he concluded.