AUSTRALIA'S cricketers will target Andrew Strauss for special treatment during this summer's Ashes series.

The inside information has come from Michael Sheedy - York CC's latest Down Under recruit - who acts as a driver for legendary Australian Test bowler and family friend Glenn McGrath while back home in Melbourne.

Sheedy has already made his mark in the Yorkshire League with a quickfire 70 in the 120-run victory over Appleby-Frodingham.

And the hard-hitting 23-year-old admits the batting of England opener Strauss has left an impression on Australian cricket.

Sheedy said: "I drive Glenn McGrath around when he comes to Melbourne. He told me that the Aussies would be targeting Strauss pretty quickly."

York's new opener is hoping to attend an Ashes match while here and believes this summer's contest could be the closest for more than a decade.

He said: "It's the first time in probably 15 years that England might fancy their chances. I think if England have a good first couple of days in the opening Test it could be an interesting series but if the Aussies get in and bully them quickly it might be a different story.

"Aside from Strauss, I think Steve Harmison could cause some havoc if he can get stuck into Justin Langer and Damien Martyn, while Australia will be looking for Matthew Hayden to hit form."

Sheedy will combine his York playing commitments with those of a touring squad headed by another Aussie legend, Merv Hughes.

The fearsome fast bowler will be a touring partner of Sheedy in Amsterdam, London and Scotland this summer.

Said Sheedy: "The squad is for players who have come over here this summer and Merv will also play as and when required. I've played with him before and he's a great bloke so I'll be looking forward to having a chat and sharing a few brews."

Sheedy, who works for Australia's biggest cricket retail company, is also hoping York can benefit from his experience of playing against Ashes squad member Brad Hodge and fellow internationals Cameron White and Michael Lewis in first-grade cricket matches for Melbourne-based club Carlton.

He said: "You have got to work pretty hard to get your runs against that calibre of player but you aspire to their level and it's great to test yourself against them. Against Appleby-Frodingham I had a bit of luck on the way but you take anything that comes.

"It was good to get a win and we did all the right things. I know it's early doors but I'm quite optimistic about our chances this season."

Having made his debut, Sheedy feels that the Yorkshire League format could be perfect for his batting style, adding: "I'm a fairly attacking player and, over here, you play a lot of one-day matches which suits me. In Australia, we tend to play more 100-over matches where the emphasis is on getting yourself in and batting for long periods."

Sheedy is currently seeking employment in England and his first impressions of York and its cricket club have been favourable.

He said: "The club has been very welcoming and they are one of the best bunch of players I have ever played with. The hospitality and the manner in which they go about their cricket is first-class.

"York is a sensational place - even the weather is very similar to Melbourne. We like to call it four seasons in one day."

Updated: 11:08 Friday, May 06, 2005