Brunt has taken 27 wickets in six Test matches for England

England pace bowler Katherine Brunt says she is ready to release her pent-up aggression on the forthcoming tour of Australia.

The 25-year-old missed the trip to Sri Lanka in November to undergo a period of strength and conditioning work.

"I'm an aggressive bowler, I like to get stuck in," said Brunt.

"This tour is going to be brilliant for me because I've been kept in for that long. I've got a lot energy and a lot of aggression to come out."

The Yorkshire seamer added: "I've not bowled that much, I've had to hold myself back, but it's all aimed at making me a better player.

"It's definitely what I needed, even though I missed out on Sri Lanka. There's certain sacrifices that you have to make for the team and there's certain things I have to do if I want to have a long career.

I used to have a trio of people that I wanted to get out but they've all retired, so I've got new meat to move onto now Katherine Brunt

"Being a fast bowler does take it out of you so I needed to take some time out to get myself fit enough for this tour.

"I've been away for a while and I'm quite excited to be back with the girls. I'm really keen to show the staff and the team what I've been working hard on."

England, who have held the Ashes since 2005, fly to Australia on 28 December.

The tourists play three one-day internationals and five Twenty20 games before defending the Ashes in a one-off four-day Test at Sydney's Bankstown Oval.

"It's a shame that we only play one Test," added Brunt. "The longer format is may favourite.

"It's the format I look forward to playing the most and it's the one I seem to do best in. I always look forward to bowling with the red ball.

"I'm one of a few that will tell you that I wish we play more Tests and I really believe that there should be more of that cricket for women.

"I don't know if more Test cricket will come back but I think the series that we have with Australia is brilliant and hope that it's never taken away."

Brunt, who has played six Tests and 72 limited-overs internationals, also identified who she sees as the prized scalp in the Australian batting line-up.

"I used to have a trio of people that I wanted to get out but they've all retired, so I've got new meat to move onto now," she said.

"I respect Shelley Nitschke, she's a great all-rounder. She's a left-handed opener and I like bowling at left-handers so I'd like to target her.

"If I can get at the top order it gives us a great platform to go on and win games."

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