Broad expecting Ashes 'leftovers'

Stuart Broad believes Australia will try to unsettle England's players verbally when they arrive Down Under to defend the urn.

Less than three months after England completed a 3-0 series victory at home, Brisbane hosts the first reverse Test match on November 21 and fast bowler Broad feels that ill-tempered relations between the two nations are unlikely to have improved by then.

The Nottinghamshire man - who has been selected in the 17-man travelling squad alongside a recalled Monty Panesar, and the uncapped trio of Boyd Rankin, Ben Stokes and Gary Ballance - feels there may be "leftovers" from the contests in England.

He told The Times: "I think you could pick up from the cameras that there was a lot of talk on the field.

"There's always a bit of niggle in Test cricket, you expect there to be a battle, but there's something about England and Australia that sparks something a bit more.

"The relationship between the teams isn't exactly great. I think there'll be some leftovers."

Broad also revealed there was little jollity between the two sides at the traditional post-series drink which followed the fifth Test at the Kia Oval.

"Normally when you get together, the bowlers go off for a chat with their opposite numbers and the batsmen do the same," he added.

"But with these series so close together, it was weird because there was none of that.

"It was a case of 'I'm not giving anything of myself to you here, because I'm going to see you in eight weeks'."

The quick is, however, relishing the prospect of another aggressive series as England chase a fourth straight Ashes win.

"I enjoy the niggle," Broad added. "It's tactical, you target certain players and you lay off others. The Aussies used to call it mental disintegration, but it's a test of the man.

"In rugby, it's the big hit you have to prepare yourself for. In cricket, it's the mental barrage. It's good fun."