Seldom do you meet an Australian cricketer who puts Wasim Akram above Donald Bradman, Dennis Lillee and Shane Warne on his list of all-time greats.

But Nathan Bracken is no ordinary Aussie.

The young paceman, who will make his Ashes bow later this month, has enjoyed a meteoric rise since he broke into the New South Wales side in 1998.

He attributes his ascent of the cricket ladder to the bowling of Pakistani paceman Wasim.

"In international cricket my hero was always Wasim Akram," Bracken told BBC Sport Online, as his side geared up for the Ashes with a press day at Lords.

"Like me he is a left-arm bowler and he has been instrumental in the rise of the Pakistani team over the last decade.

"When I was younger I used to analyse his bowling style and try deliver with same amount of style and pace.

"He is a champion in everything that he does - a born winner and if I can ever become half as good as him I'll be delighted.

"Now one of my dreams is about to come true as I get my chance to play against him in the Triangular Series in Cardiff," said the cheery paceman, whose fast-medium left-armers will offer plenty of variety to an already fearsome Australian attack.

Forever looking to improve on his blossoming game, Bracken is eager to grab a chat with the Pakistan captain when the two meet up.

"I will certainly try and sit down and have a chat with him to see if he's got any advice on how I can develop my game.

"I haven't really thought what I'm going to say to him but hopefully he can give me a few pointers on how I can develop my style," he added.

"Like every young bowler, I've had dreams of taking five wickets on my Ashes Test debut but at this level, it doesn't work that easily, so I think I'll settle for just a couple if just so long as we win."

And Bracken, who has only played 13 first-class matches in his short career, believes England will offer healthy opposition for the indomitable Aussies.

"I don't like to single England players out as being particularly dangerous because you get so wrapped up in trying to get them out that someone else hits a stunning century before you realise it.

"England are a good team, in good form and will be tough to beat on their home patch.

"Obviously, Darren Gough is quality, gutsy player and Michael Atherton has enjoyed some terrific innings against the Aussie attack.

"But England's strength at the minute is their team spirit and I expect them to give us some good games over the summer."