England batsman Jonathan Trott refused to take the bait after Australia captain Ricky Ponting claimed his side could whitewash their Ashes opponents in the upcoming series.
Andy Flower's team regained the urn last summer and are in good form of late, currently leading Pakistan 2-0 in the four-Test series and appearing a stronger unit than the last England side to head to Australia in 2006/07, which resulted in a 5-0 battering.
When asked today if the new-look Australia could repeat that feat, Ponting replied: "It's absolutely possible. There's no reason why not.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"It's all in our hands. It's how well we play and how well we take charge of different situations."
Trott, preparing for the third Test against Pakistan, responded on Sky Sports News: "It's the first I've heard of it. I think that's something fairly new to me, playing in the Ashes and playing in Australia.
"I've only played against them once (the victorious final Test last summer) and that game went pretty well, so I'll just leave it at that!"
As for England's hopes of winning an Ashes series on away turf, Trott said: "It's something at the back of our minds but we're focusing on these Test matches and the one-day matches in September.
"It's something that's exciting and everyone's starting to build up towards it. We're only thinking about it slightly but it's exciting times. Who knows what the future holds?"
