Taylor expects Aussie backlash

Taylor was named player of series in the recent 4-0 win over Australia

Wicketkeeper and opener Sarah Taylor expects Australia to come back fighting in the Ashes after a 4-0 rout at the hands of England in the one-day series.

England defend the trophy at Worcestershire's New Road ground from Friday in a single four-day Test match.

Taylor, 20, told BBC London 94.9: "Australia are a dangerous side and we know they're going to come at us hard.

"To have lost the series means they'll definitely be coming back fighting, the Ashes is such a big thing."

England will be aiming to add to their World Cup and World Twenty20 crowns and Taylor is keen to highlight the hard work that has gone into maintaining the team's amazing run of form.

I looked at my career stats against Australia and they're not the best. I did get the one 100 but that's pretty much all I've got against them

Sarah Taylor

She added: "It's been a hard two or three years putting this side together and the fact that we got together so young and have built on that means we know each other's games.

"We've also just worked so, so hard behind the scenes which, obviously, people don't see."

Taylor was named the best player in the one-day series against Australia and she was delighted to prove she can perform against a top side.

"I looked at my career stats against Australia and they're not the best. I did get the one 100 but that's pretty much all I've got against them.

"So to come into this series I knew I wanted to make a point that it's not against the bigger sides that I don't perform.

"I've done that and obviously there was extra responsibility on the top four or five because Charlotte [Edwards] wasn't playing in the first couple of games so I knew I had to do it and I'm glad I proved a few people wrong."