There is no history of English fans causing trouble abroad

New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma has written to Prime Minister Tony Blair requesting intelligence on "known sporting hooligans" before the Ashes.

But ECB chief David Collier believes the Australians are diverting attention away from their own domestic issues.

"The Barmy Army don't have a history of causing problems abroad," he said.

"There will always be a minority element we have got to be careful of. But the probability of large numbers of football hooligans travelling, when tickets have not been easy to get hold of, is at the lower end.

"I find [the letter] slightly odd. You just wonder if it is not being a little defensive."

Australian authorities have had their own problems with fans recently.

Cricket Australia has been forced to issue a new zero tolerance policy towards racism in the stands, an edict implemented in September after a series of incidents involving South Africa and Sri Lanka last winter.

A spectator was ejected from the Melbourne Cricket Ground during a Test against South Africa in December 2005 for allegedly for making racist taunts.

England's chairman of selectors David Graveney has, meanwhile, urged supporters to get behind the team in Australia.

"The crowd have a huge part to play. Remember the Edgbaston Test last year. I have never seen opening batsmen get a standing ovation before they have even taken guard.

"It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. If we can get the same sort of support in Australia it will make a huge difference," he said.

"We are carrying the hopes of a nation and we will need to play our very best."