by Kevin Hand

Finn was recently named ICC Emerging Player of the Year

Fast bowler Steven Finn insists England will not underestimate Australia but recognises they have a great chance of winning the Ashes this winter.

England fly to Australia on Friday in search of their first Ashes win down under since 1987.

Finn told BBC London 94.9: "In their own backyard they've proved they're a fantastic team and very tough to beat.

"We see it as a great opportunity to upset the apple cart. We're going over there quietly confident."

He added: "We're not going over there saying we're going to win the Ashes because it's going to take a lot of hard work.

"Beating Australia in their own backyard is going to be difficult whether they've got the great players that they had in the past or not. Any Australian team that we come up against are going to be up for the fight and so are we."

Finn was only called up to the England squad for the first time in March as cover for Stuart Broad during the tour of Bangladesh but was drafted straight into the side for his Test debut.

The 21-year-old Middlesex star has been an ever present in the Test side since then taking 32 wickets in eight Tests at an average of 23.

But the Watford-born quick says despite his and England's recent success, and the feeling that Australia's side is not what it once was, the squad is trying to keep its feet on the ground.

"I think that the way the team performed, before I came into it and when I came into it, has been fantastic and I think that helps massively," he said.

"I think the confidence that we've gained from that will help us and stand us in good stead, but ultimately it's about how we perform when we're out there and the past counts for nothing.

"Australia have just lost in India - but it means nothing when it comes to playing in this Ashes series so we have to be ready come ball one to perform at the level we have over the last 18 months."

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