Arthur wishes Ashes series is held quickly to test 'buoyed' Oz against England

Herald Globe (ANI) Thursday 9th February, 2012

Australian coach Mickey Arthur has said he wished that the Ashes series is held quickly to test his resurgent side against the English.

"I wouldn't mind it actually. I wish it was this summer in England. But we're building nicely, we're bubbling away and I'm happy with where the team is at the moment. And confident we are just getting better and better," Sport 24 quoted Arthur, as saying.

His statement comes after Australia's whitewash of India and England's whitewash at the hands of Pakistan.

Two Ashes series will be played back-to-back in 2013 with Australia's mid-year visit to England followed by the return series Down Under around the turn of 2014.

South African Arthur said he was "really impressed" with Pakistan's victory over England.

"Conditions were very suitable for them, though, and I think that has to be held in isolation, that conditions definitely favoured Pakistan," Arthur said.

"England had come out of a cold winter, they hadn't played any cricket. I don't think they were battle-hardened at all and I think that came out in the way they played. They'll be properly prepared for their summer and for when we get there," he added.

Arthur had earlier said that Australia's major goal is to win the next Ashes series. (ANI)