Ashes series

England off-spinner Graeme Swann has said that he is absolutely clear and deadly serious in his determination to beat Australia this winter. "The Ashes is everywhere here, it's massive, and the key will be how the players handle the pressure. Some thrive, some buckle. I'm convinced we can flourish under such an intense spotlight because we've proved in the past two years that we can win big matches," he said.

Swann said: "Please don't think my light-hearted approach to life and my reputation as a joker extends to the cricket field. When I cross the boundary, I mean business."

"I honestly believe we will return home this winter with the fabled Ashes urn still safely in England's keeping," he adds.

He said that both captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower have allowed him to keep a smile on the other guys' faces.

"They tell me it's my unofficial role in the team. So, my regular video diary which featured the guys performing the Sprinkler dance is great. It gives the lads a chuckle and shows how happy and tight-knit we are as a group," he said.

"I'm the grumpiest bowler in the world if things don't go my way or somebody misfields. I wish all the evil in the world on that bloke for two or three minutes and then pat him on the backside and say sorry," Swann says.

"We have many players who are the same, guys you want on your side when things get tough. Take Stuart Broad. He's a pussycat when he's off duty, but he is a warrior on the field," Swann added.

He said that he saw the First Test as the biggest game of his career.

"It feels like I've been waiting for this moment for more than 20 years. It was a video of England's Ashes win in 1986-87 that sparked my love of the game. We couldn't be more confident of winning. We have bonded brilliantly as a squad and the three build-up matches have gone perfectly," the off-spinner said.