Gooch tells England to be aggressive with Australia

Former England captain Graham Gooch has said England will need to match Australia's aggression if they are to upset the world's leading Test nation in next year's Ashes series.

Gooch, who is in Australia for an Ian Healy testimonial match in Brisbane, said Australia were still the benchmark, boasting a world record winning streak of 13 matches.

England had made good progress with their 1-0 series victory in Pakistan this month, the veteran of 118 Tests said on Thursday.

"But I think it's early days for England yet and it would be foolhardy for anyone to talk about England challenging the dominance of the world-class Australians at the moment," Gooch said.

"They must go out there believing they can win and be aggressive towards Australia in the brand of cricket they play.

"You can see the way (Australian openers) Michael Slater and Matthew Hayden batted in Adelaide. There was a concerted plan to attack the West Indian bowling, trying to put pressure on the bowlers and it paid off (with a 156-run partnership)."

The fourth Test between Australia and the Windies starts in Melbourne on December 26. Australia lead the series 3-0.

Australia play five Tests in England in July and August next year after a three-Test tour of India in February and March.

Mail Cricket Editor