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England opener Nick Compton faces pre-Ashes attack from OZ pacer Siddle

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ANI London

Australia's ace spearhead Peter Siddle kick started an Ashes war of words by targeting England opener Nick Compton.

"I am going to stick it up to the Poms, that's all I are working on," said Siddle.

Siddle, whose in-your-face style has earned him the nickname of 'Sid Vicious', has earmarked the England opener for some special attention this summer.

In the past Glenn McGrath targeted players he wanted awake at night worrying, and now, Siddle has stepped up to the plate.

"If I can dismiss Compton early, we can crack open the heart of the English line-up early", the Mirror quoted Siddle as saying.

 

Compton's form was already a cause for concern for England, and he is not the only batsman looking to score at Headingley this week Jonny Bairstow and Ian Bell too are hoping to bring their A game to the Second Test against New Zealand.

If the Aussies view Compton as the softer target out of the two openers, they will be straining just as hard to get rid of captain Alastair Cook.

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The Kiwi's have already discovered that England's batting line-up is brittle in places.

Compton failed twice at Lord's - a ground he knows well - and will be keen to not only guarantee himself an Ashes spot, but also to zip-up Siddle qualms.

England are all set to name an unchanged side for the next match, but have added Tim Bresnan to the 11 training at Leeds, the Kiwis may recall former skipper Daniel Vettori in place of the injured Bruce Martin.

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First Published: May 22 2013 | 4:13 PM IST

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