Silverwood vows to fight fire with fire

Replacement English fast bowler Chris Silverwood on Tuesday vowed to hit back at the rampant Australian cricket team by fighting "fire with fire".

Silverwood might have been jetlagged after flying into Hobart from England after being called up to replace injured Simon Jones, but he promised all the no-nonsense aggression of a Yorkshire quick.

Indeed the 27-year-old has spent nearly as much time in the air as on the ground after getting home from the Hong Kong Sixes only four days before his call-up.

He was an hour late when he caught up with his teammates, who themselves spent half a day travelling from Brisbane to arrive in Hobart, where they'll meet Australia A in a three-day game starting on Friday.

Silverwood has played five Tests, the last against South Africa in 2000, and just one limited-overs international, against Australia in 1997.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for me to cement a place in the Test side," said Silverwood, who's been a fringe player for years.

"If the opportunity comes, I'll grab it with both hands."

He said he was fit, had bowled fast in Hong Kong and was "raring to go" for the Hobart match.

He felt fighting "fire with fire" and "just charging at them" could put pressure on Australia.

But while speed was a key, "you have to get it in the right area as well".

Silverwood said he was sure the team's resilient character would allow it to bounce back from the heavy defeat in Brisbane.

And he was unimpressed by suggestions that a sports psychologist could help.

"I don't think they need one," he said.

It's doubtful whether Silverwood will get a start against Australia A, with a team spokesman confirming that Steve Harmison and Andrew Flintoff were expected to be fit.

Alex Tudor, called up earlier for Darren Gough, is also likely to get a place in the team.