Six tips for knocking them for six

Ahead of the first Ashes Test on 10 July, bowler Jimmy Anderson reveals how the Three Lions can beat the Aussies.

ADOPT A SIEGE MENTALITY

“The greater the hype, the more we stay in our little bubble. We don’t even read newspapers. If we’re losing, which makes for a sombre mood, we rely on funny characters such as Graeme Swann to gee us up.”

USE THE HOME ADVANTAGE

“Nothing beats playing in front of a home crowd in such a unique series. We have an advantage of familiarity, too – the players know the hotels, much like how the chefs at the main grounds know what we like to eat.”

KEEP AN EYE ON THE ENEMY

“For the first Test, we need to know what potential surprises the Australians will have lined up for us. So, as we do with all opponents, we have a team compile footage of them for us to watch any time we like.”

EMBRACE TWITTER

“There have been slip-ups with Twitter – but if it’s done in the right way then social media can be a big plus, whether that’s helping the lads unwind or just feeding off the energy of the fans.”

PLAY GOLF (FOR CASH)

“We used to play football but it was banned after we picked up injuries, so we play golf on afternoons off now. Joe Root is our best player. He has a handicap of around six, but he always tells us it’s 14 as he wants to win the money.”

Harness SLEDGING

“Sledging tends to happen. It’s a spur-of-the-moment thing. But with the competitive nature of these games, you can’t overlook it.”

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(Image: Rex Features)