Jake Ball fit for First Ashes Test and ready for hostile Gabba atmosphere

Jake Ball insists England will not be intimidated by the hostile Gabba atmosphere after declaring himself fit and ready to take on Australia in Thursday’s first Ashes Test.

Ball looks certain to be named England’s fourth seam bowler ahead of Craig Overton for the opening match of the series here in Brisbane after overcoming the ankle injury he sustained during the second warm-up game in Adelaide 11 days ago.

The 26-year-old, who was put through his paces in the nets last weekend during England’s final tour game in Townsville, confirmed today: “I’m fit. The last couple of days went really well, exactly how we planned it. I got 17 overs in and a couple of sessions fielding. I feel I’m in a really good place.

“I’m 100 per cent confident I can get through a five-day Test. From the second I did it, we’ve had a plan to be fit for the First Test and everything has gone to plan, if not better.”

The Nottinghamshire bowler got his first taste on Monday of the venue for the First Test — known as the ‘Gabbatoir’ due to its hostility to opposition players and status as a fortress, where Australia have not lost a Test since 1988.

While the 42,0000-capacity ground, where England last won in 1986, was empty as he undertook media duties, Ball says nobody in the touring party will be overawed come Thursday when it is sold out with mainly partisan Australians. “You dream about playing in Ashes series,” he said. “To be here and have a chance of playing is amazing.

“This is my first time here. It’s an amazing ground. Hopefully it will look just as nice when it’s full of Aussies, especially if we beat them.

“We’re not intimidated. We have lads who have played out here and know what it’s about. They have passed on what to take and what not to listen to. I’m not worried at all. But I might put some earplugs in to try to drown them out if I’m fielding on the boundary! Stuart Broad has been my room-mate. He’s had the rough end of it before. If he can come through it, we’ll all be okay.”

Australia have been talking up their pace triumvirate of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood ahead of the series. All three can bowl in excess of 90 miles per hour but Ball, England’s quickest bowler, says there is no fear factor.

“I don’t think so,” he said. “All the batters have dealt with 90mph before and they will deal with it again.”