BALL FIT AND READY TO GO IN FIRST ASHES TEST

The England seam bowler is being tipped to beat Craig Overton to a starting spot

Jake Ball is fully fit and ready to take his place in the England side for the first Ashes Test.

The eagerly-anticipated series is due to get under way on Thursday, when the tourists take on Australia in Brisbane.

And Ball, who has recovered from a sprained ankle picked up during the warm-up clash with a Cricket Australia XI in Adelaide, is being widely tipped to feature in front of Somerset seamer Craig Overton.

“I’m really looking forward to it, 100 percent,” he said.

“It’s a massive game, a massive series (and) I think we’ve got a great chance. If you go through (the two sides) and look one by one against each other, then I think we just edge it.

“Our team vibe has been amazing, so come the first day I think we’re going to hit the ground running and hope to surprise a few people.”

^{Jake Ball talks to the media in Brisbane}

The Nottinghamshire paceman will have to deal with the fierce and partisan home support at the Gabba, where Australia have a formidable record.

The Baggy Green machine have not lost at the venue since 1988 and Ball is expecting a raucous atmosphere when the action gets started.

“Personally, I think you have to let a little bit in,” he said.

“You have to enjoy it, the banter and use it to your advantage and let it drive you on. I’m just going to go out there and enjoy every minute of it.”

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