Fringe England Test batsman James Vince insists he and his teammates aren't daunted by the challenge of confronting Australian pace ace Mitchell Starc during the Ashes.
And he predicts Australia's bowlers will also be feeling intense pressure during the upcoming series.
Starc's pace and swing loom as a major weapon for Australia, and he showcased his match-winning potential last week with innings figures of 8-73 for NSW against South Australia.
Major question marks are being raised about the capacity of England's inexperienced batting line-up to deal with pace trio Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins.
But Vince is confident they will be able to handle the heat.
"I wouldn't say it's daunting. It's a great challenge," Vince said of confronting Starc.
"It's a great chance for guys to step up and make a name for themselves.
"I think the key is getting those guys into their third and fourth spells. Trying to get through the tough periods.
"And when we can, put pressure on the bowlers and try to put them on the back foot."
Cummins has only played five Tests during an injury-plagued international career, but the 24-year-old's body has held up well in recent times.
However, Cummins' ability to handle a five-Test series remains an unknown.
"Pat Cummins is being talked about a bit - he hasn't got a huge amount of experience," Vince said.
"I'm sure (the Australian bowling attack) are going to be under pressure as well. It's just about who's going to put in the best performances on the day."
If star allrounder Ben Stokes is ruled out for the series, it would leave a major hole in England's line-up.
Stokes is still under police investigation for a violent assault outside a nightclub last month, and England are preparing as if the 26-year-old won't be made available for the series.
"He's had a tough few weeks I would have imagined," Vince said.
"If he does come out here at some point, that would be great for us, and him.
"But for the time being, we'll get on without him."
Vince is counting his lucky stars after being the surprise selection in England's 16-man Ashes squad.
The 26-year-old made his Test debut in 2016, but was axed a few months later after averaging just 19.27 in seven Tests.
Vince played two seasons of grade cricket for Melville in Perth when he was a teenager, and he hopes to use this tour to reignite his Test career.
"It's a second chance," Vince said.
"I was disappointed with how my career started.
"An Ashes series is bigger than any other series. To come here and do well, it can kick-start my career."
England will dust out the cobwebs with a two-day tour match against a WA XI side at the WACA Ground, starting Saturday.
