Strauss up for McGrath challenge

The Ashes are more than three months away but the banter has already begun between the two teams. Andrew Strauss, the England opener, is all set to take on Glenn McGrath and is determined to avoid being his 500th Test wicket. McGrath, who picked up his 499th wicket in Auckland, had earlier declared his intentions of claiming one of England's openers as his 500th victim, when the Ashes begins on July 21 at Lords.

"I am really looking forward to the challenge, facing him, Shane Warne and the rest of the guys," Strauss was quoted as saying by AFP. "Glenn's a lovely guy but is very competitive on the field and a very good bowler, that is why he has nigh on 500 wickets. I am not thinking about what he is going to do to me too much. The important thing for me is to stick to my own game plan. But if I am his 500th wicket it would be quite an honour! Hopefully I have scored a few runs first."

Strauss has been a revelation for England and has played an important role in changing the team's fortunes. In his 12 Tests, he has smashed five hundreds at an outstanding average of 55. Currently, England holds the No. 2 position in the ICC Test rankings.

The resurgence of the England team over the last 12 months have raised the expectations of an keenly contested series. The Ashes have been dominated by Australia for over 19 years. "There has been so much history between England and Australia that it is hard not to feel part of a special game whenever you play against them," continued Strauss. "The important thing is obviously not to let the fact you are playing Australia affect you and not to play any differently to how you would normally; if you can do that you will have a good chance of doing well.

"They are the best side in the world, they have proved that over and over again and I suppose the pressure is on them to keep performing like they have done. If we go out and enjoy ourselves and play our best cricket we can put them under pressure and get some good results. We have got to play our own game, as soon as you try to change to meet one side, you are playing into their hands because you are going away from what is natural to you."