Fawad Ahmed. Photo / Getty Images
Alastair Cook admits England know nothing about legspinner Fawad Ahmed, who is looming as a likely inclusion in Australia's Ashes squad.
Ahmed is due to join Australia A in the UK today and will play against Ireland in a match starting on June 14. Australian spin greats Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill believe Ahmed has the skills to make a difference in the five-test Ashes series beginning in July.
The fact England are scrambling for bowling footage of Ahmed is certainly part of the 31-year-old's appeal, with Australia in need of a surprise element.
Legislation changes are yet to be passed by the Senate to allow the Pakistan-born asylum-seeker to play for Australia. But his citizenship is expected to be rubber-stamped in time for him to be included as the 17th man and second spinner in Australia's Ashes squad.
Cook says England have some homework to do: "To be honest, I haven't seen much of him at all," said the England captain. "If he gets included in Australia's squad, we'll have to do our diligence like we do with every player. Obviously there's an opportunity if he's now in the A squad over here that we will see him and have a look."
England are aiming to win their first 50-over international tournament at the Champions Trophy. They know that falling short at home will mean World Cups will become their only chance of one-day success in the future, with this set to be the last Champions Trophy.
"Alongside the World Cup in 2015, they're important tournaments. We know what we can do; it's about us delivering it."
The star opener has been no stranger to back pain and sympathised with his Australian opposite Michael Clarke, who is in doubt for the rest of the tournament with a chronic lower back issue.
"They're funny things and I'm always being treated for back issues," he said. "But it's about managing it and, touch wood, mine seems to be okay."
Meanwhile, Brad Haddin made a bruising century for Australia A against Scotland to deliver team-mates a timely message that leadership and run-scoring in the Ashes squad don't begin and end with Clarke. In encouraging signs for Australia, top-order batsman Usman Khawaja also spent quality time in the middle in overcast and seaming conditions.
With Clarke's injury casting an ominous shadow over Australia's Ashes hopes, the performances of squad members Khawaja (51), Peter Siddle (85 not out) and particularly Haddin (113) were crucial for a squad desperately in need of confidence.
Haddin showcased exactly why he's been brought back into the fold as test vice-captain.
The no-nonsense wicketkeeper led from the front to pilot Australia A (a combination of Ashes squad members and fringe Australian players) to 335 for six at stumps on day one of the four-day match.
"All the boys are really happy to have him around. He's been quite a calming influence," Khawaja said. "Obviously, he's started this tour out brilliantly and I think the boys can take a lot from that. Brad is really positive and he just went out there and played his shots."
Handling the moving ball has been a major weakness for Australia's top order in recent years and Khawaja described his opening knock for the tour as a confidence booster.
- AAP