England captain Joe Root says his side is prepared for hostile environment in Gabba Test

ENGLAND captain Joe Root knows his side will face a hostile opening to the Ashes. But he insists the tourists are prepared and have “got their heads around” what’s coming their way.

FEAR is not a word in the touring English team’s vocabulary despite threats of a “relentless” onslaught from the Australian pace attack at the Gabba next week.

As his team looks for more big runs in its final warm-up match in Townsville starting Wednesday, England captain Joe Root said his men had “got their heads around” what’s going to come their way in Brisbane.

Aussie quick Pat Cummins declared he, Mitch Starc and Josh Hazlewood had spoken about being “in the face” of the tourists and “aggressive” from ball one of the series next Thursday.

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But Root, taking part in his second Ashes series in Australia, said his batsmen, including those facing the Aussies for the first time, didn’t fear that challenge they are about to face.

“I’m not sure those will be the words flying around our dressing room. These are the sort of statements you expect a week out from the start of an Ashes series here in Australia,” Root said.

England batsman Alastair Cook in the nets. Picture: Zak Simmonds

England cricket captain Joe Root says his side knows what’s coming. Picture: AFP

“Last time that maybe caught us out, but we are a bit wiser to it this time around. I think it’s still making sure we are absolutely prepared for any scenario out there.

“We are expecting it to be hostile, we are expecting it to be very loud and rowdy atmosphere at the Gabba. Hopefully we will be in a good place, and really ready for that. We have got our heads around what to expect.”

Root also dismissed any concern the Aussies would target him in particular, as the home side does most opposing captains.

“I’ve heard a lot of chat about targeting me in particular but I know from our point of view we will be targeting every single one of them. We won’t be singling guys out,” he said.

Shane Warne thinks Pat Cummins can rattle the England top order. Picture: Getty Images

“But bring it on, you want that competitive element to it.”

England looks to have settled on its batting line-up for the first Test, with Gary Ballance left out of the team to play a Cricket Australia XI in the four-day game of the tour.

That means Mark Stoneman will likely open with Alastair Cook, with Dawid Malan and James Vince making up the top six with Root and Jonny Bairstow.

All-rounder Mooen Ali comes in for the final warm-up game after overcoming injury, and Root said seamer Craig Overton was looming as the most likely third pace option for the Gabba Test.

The English skipper said selection uncertainties around the Australian team were “good for us” but it would not be a focus during their final days of preparation.

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