Alec Stewart is 40 next year, and is happy to offer advice based on his years of Test experience to anyone who needs it. Even captain Nasser Hussain.

Stewart, who has won a record 122 England Test caps, is hoping the next three months might finally bring an Ashes triumph after six previous unsuccessful attempts.

England's performances Down Under may have failed consistently to be up to scratch but on a personal level Stewart is relishing the challenge again.

He said: ''It is a good place to play because they are one-eyed, they do see only the good in Australia but if you can get on top of them, it is a good place to beat them.''

Stewart finished fourth in the batting averages during the last series in England in the summer of 2001. This time around, with many new players such as bowlers Simon Jones and Steve Harmison making their Ashes debuts, the Surrey veteran is happy if his wisdom is called upon.

''I have experience behind me and I will be offering advice,'' he said.

''Anything I can do to help bring on a player, whether it is Nasser Hussain as captain, or whether it is the youngest player.

''But that is part of your role anyway, whether you are coming up 40 or whether you are in the side playing your third game. You get your own game in order and offer advice. If you do those things, you have a chance of making sure the team does well.''

Stewart is back touring having missed last winter when he opted out of the trip to India and then was left out of the side that visited New Zealand.

He was recalled for the 1st Test against Sri Lanka this summer after wicketkeeper James Foster broke his arm - even though Stewart had not originally been awarded a central contract for the year.

He now prepares for his fourth and final Ashes tour believing that the new look to the England side could work in their favour against the best team in the world.

''We are an inexperienced side but at the same time that can be good because Australia won't know too many of the new guys,'' said Stewart.

''They have video footage but also the England guys won't be in awe of them having not played against them.

''It is the best tour from my point of view. I had eight years playing club cricket in Perth in the 1980s and it is a great country, I enjoy the people and playing there.

''We play it hard and fair but off the pitch, you enjoy each other's company.

''It is a tough contest but that is what it is all about. It is why I am still playing 12 or 13 years after I first started.''

While the new players may have to endure the legendary Australian antics such as sledging, Stewart believes that cannot be avoided at this level of the game.

''If you are intimidated by that type of stuff, then you might as well not be playing,'' he said.

''International cricket is tough and it is called Test cricket because it is a test of not only your ability but of your character too.''

''You have to be positive in your outlook, make the most of what you have and go out there with all good intentions.

''We have improved very much. I don't hide behind the fact that Australia are the best side but we can beat them. If you go out thinking they are the best side, how on earth can we beat them, we'll try and get a draw here or there, that is the wrong attitude.''

18 Oct, 2002