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 Wednesday, 16 October, 2002, 16:53 GMT 17:53 UK
Vaughan ready for McGrath
Atherton ducks a bouncer during a 1994 Test match in Brisbane
McGrath had some memorable battles with Atherton

England opener Michael Vaughan says he is ready for anything Glenn McGrath may have in store for him this winter.

Australian fast bowler McGrath plans to target an England batsman during the Ashes series.

McGrath has promised to name the player concerned before the start of the series on 7 November after previously focusing his attention on former captain Mike Atherton.

The likelihood is that the player in question is either Vaughan or fellow opener Marcus Trescothick.

Michael Vaughan
Vaughan answered every challenge in the summer

"It would be disappointing if he didn't target me," Vaughan told BBC Sport Online.

"I would be very surprised if it isn't either me or Marcus Trescothick because he's got a very good record against openers. Look at how many times he got Mike Atherton out.

"He's a world-class bowler who I will respect but I don't want to worry too much. I don't think we should fear him."

Magnificent summer

Vaughan enjoyed a magnificent summer, hitting four Test hundreds in the two series against Sri Lanka and India.

But he will need to raise his game again when facing McGrath, who is poised to become only the eighth man in history to reach 400 Test wickets, 98 of them taken against England.

"I'll be happy to say who I'm targeting as I am confident in my ability to produce the goods. You've got to believe in yourself," the 32-year-said.

Gillespie is a key member of Australia's attack
Physio Errol Alcott has treated Gillespie

McGrath's regular new ball partner, Jason Gillespie, has arrived home from Sharjah for further treatment in the hope of being fit for the first Test in Brisbane.

Gillespie recently suffered a calf strain while playing against Pakistan in Sri Lanka and the original prognosis was that he would be out of action for a month.

But his condition is improving and he hopes to play for South Australia in a four-day game against New South Wales on 25 October.

 WATCH/LISTEN
 ON THIS STORY
England's Michael Vaughan
"We have to show confidence"
Former Australia wicket-keeper Ian Healy
"Vaughan and Trescothick will have to do well"
England bowler Darren Gough
"We've got to believe in our ability"
All the news ahead of the 2002/03 Ashes tour

Tour in review

Test series

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15 Oct 02 | Cricket
Links to more The Ashes stories are at the foot of the page.


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