Jaques eyes Ashes

Phil Jaques © Getty Images

Worcestershire’s prolific opener Phil Jaques has set his sights on forcing his way into the Australian side for the Ashes battle with England next winter.

Jaques, who is in his first season at New Road, knows he faces a massive task to split up the prolific opening pair of Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden.

But he is determined to give the Australian selectors plenty to think about before they decide on the squad to face Duncan Fletcher’s injury-hit team.

The 27-year-old scored over 900 runs in just 11 first-class innings for Worcestershire, including two double centuries before temporarily departing the county to play for Australia ’A’ in the Top End Series, although he will return later this month.

Jaques, whose only Test to date was against South Africa eight months ago, said: “I feel I’m ready to play a big part in the Ashes - if given the chance.

“I’m unfortunate playing behind the most successful opening partnership in history in Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden. My timing is not great from that point of view!

“But I have to bide my time and score as many runs as I can to keep the pressure on. Every time I walk out to the middle now I’m trying to score a big hundred and make a statement.”

Jaques added: “It would be terrific to be involved with the Ashes. It’s the biggest series ever from an Australian point of view.

“We definitely like beating the English and you saw last summer they like getting one over on us. We are looking for revenge. There’s no other way to put it.

“Everything is geared up to make sure we hit England with everything we have got.”

Jaques admitted: “This spell at Worcester is great for me. I wanted to work on my game. The pitch at Worcester seams around and it’s never easy to play. That was an attraction.

“I wanted to test myself. If I can tighten up my game and take it to the next level before the Ashes, then brilliant.”