Alec Stewart wants England payback

Former England captain Alec Stewart has demanded that the current side seek revenge against Australia during the Ashes series.

The Three Lions currently lead the competition 2-0, and will retain the Ashes should they secure at least a draw in the third Test at Old Trafford from Thursday.

However, Stewart believes that England should target a whitewash after being humiliated 5-0 by the Baggy Greens in 2007.

"After a close finish at Trent Bridge, England's 347-run victory at Lord's exposed the huge gulf in class between the teams," Stewart told BBC Sport.

"The challenge to Alastair Cook and his team now is to go for broke, because if they keep their foot firmly on the gas there is every chance they could pull off England's first 5-0 whitewash over the Aussies.

"For several members of this team, a clean sweep would represent some sort of payback. Cook, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell and James Anderson all played in the humiliating 5-0 defeat down under in 2006-07 and will be determined not to let this opportunity slip through their fingers."

England face Australia in third Test at Old Trafford from Thursday.

Written by
Matt Cotton