Stuart Broad on Twitter, credit card roulette and his prediction for The Ashes

Stuart can't wait for the series to get underway

The Ashes begin tonight (or tomorrow, depending upon where you are in the world) and the expectations of an England victory havent been this high in a generation.

While the Australian team appears to be in a state of disarray, the England team couldnt be healthier. The batsmen are in-form, theres clear leadership under the Andy Flower and Andrew Strauss partnership and the bowling attack rivals any in the world. Among those that will be looking to tear through Ricky Ponting and co is Stuart Broad. The poster boy of the England team, who became a household name after his Man of the Match performance in the final Test of the last Ashes, is ready for more.

Im extremely excited. Theres been a lot of hype so were so looking forward to it starting, Stuart told The Independent Online. Were feeling confident and we really want to start well.

Stuart pictured in the final Test of the 2009 Ashes in which he was named Man of the Match

England are currently favourites among the bookmakers to win the series, a result not achieved in Australia since 1987. Speaking with Stuart its clear theres a real focus amongst the squad, adding good cause to the confidence felt amongst the many observers predicting an England victory. We (the squad) are all on the same wave length. I havent set any personal targets its about targeting each innin! gs as a team. Were looking at it hour-by-hour rather than across the whole series.

Stuart is clearly keen not to let England get ahead of themselves, well aware of the quality that still exists in the Australia team: Theyre all world class players, although they are under a bit of pressure from the Australian media whove been giving them a hard time. Stuart singled out Michael Clarke, an injury doubt ahead of the first Test, noting his fine performance in the 2009 series. But the Australian batsman Stuart really has his eye on is the Baggy Greens captain: Ricky Ponting has been their world-class batsman for the last 10-12 years we know what a danger man he is and what an important wicket he is to get. Well be delighted to see the back of him each time hes out.

Stuart Broad uses Maximuscle, Europes leading sports nutrition brand to maximise his sporting performance

Broad is predicting a tight series, but feels success or failure in Australia will come down to what England can do with the bat: The key to the series for me is the amount of runs we score. Our batting line-up is looking in good form and in particular having Ian Bell at number six is very strong for us. We can put pressure on them (Australia) with the runs and take some off our own bowlers.

The build up to the current series has been fuelled by the England players use of Twitter, which has seen them posting videos, pictures and insights into whats happening in the camp. Swanny (Graeme Swann) is the most addicted when we go out to dinner he spends the whole time on his phone. reveals Stuart. Among the more entertaining insights to come out of the camp has been the video of England players performing The Sprinkler (apparently! Tim Bre snan is the best dancer among the team) and the latest updates on how Kevin Pietersens moustache is coming along (questions about which were met with a stony silence). There had been talk of banning the players from using Twitter during the series, prompted by a few high profile gaffes by other sportsmen. If were sensible well be allowed to carry on, says the 24-year-old. Its a good way to keep the fans updated on whats going on just as long as there are no silly rants.

Putting the joking aside, and with a slight dig at the Aussies, Stuart offers his Ashes prediction: Itll be very tight but I wont put a number on it thats an Australian thing to do. Australia havent lost at The Gabba in 22 years (a record spanning 21 Tests). We know how important the start of the series is we can show were here for a fight. I expect it to go down to the last Test.

Something else difficult to predict are the games of credit card roulette played by the England squad, whereby through a game of chance someone is elected to pick up the cheque for dinner. In the most recent game, Stuart reveals Alastair Cook was the loser and tells me how hes yet to lose a game himself: I havent lost yet I recently got a new bank card and I havent lost with it, its been very favourable for me. As one of Englands key players in this series, English fans will be hoping his good fortune continues.

Stuart Broad uses Maximuscle, Europes leading sports nutrition brand to maximise his sporting performance www.maximuscle.com/stuart

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