Fiery fast bowler Peter Siddle is predicting plenty of on-field niggle between the Australians and English superstar Kevin Pietersen during the Ashes series.

The Australian team’s combative nature and Pietersen’s belligerence are expected to lead to some fiery moments in the series starting in Cardiff on Wednesday week.

“I am pretty sure there is going to be a little bit said out in the field here and there,” Siddle said.

“Pietersen is a pretty confident lad and he likes to say a little bit around out there on the field.

“So I am sure there is going to be a few little run-ins between us and him, no doubt.”

Siddle, who was regularly heckled by South African crowds earlier this year, admitted to enjoying on-field verbal sparring between teams.

“It just depends on how the game is going and if it warrants it,” he said.

“But it is always good fun out on the field.

“It is always a good challenge and always a good little war between you and that one or two batsmen out there.

“But as long as you can back it up and be the successful one out of the little war.”

The straight-talking Victorian showed some good early form in the drawn tour match against Sussex, being able to bowl accurately and generate good pace before the opener at Sophia Gardens.

If given the chance, he said he was ready and willing to share the new ball with Mitchell Johnson after making an impact at first change in the Test series triumph in South Africa.

“I hopefully get the opportunity with the new ball, I did it a couple of times back home in Australia and I missed out in South Africa,” he said.

“But hopefully I can get out there and get that new ball.”

Siddle had no concerns about the extra responsibility of leading the way in an Ashes series.

“I don’t get too hyped up, obviously it is a big series,” he said.

“I don’t get too overwhelmed.

“It is going to be good fun and it would be exciting to get the new ball.”

Siddle said he had completely recovered from the foot problems that had threatened to slow down his rapid rise over the past eight months.

He felt he was coming to grips with the conditions in England and the Duke ball despite not having limited playing experience in the old country.

The 24-year-old has taken 29 wickets at 27.65 in his seven matches since making his Test debut against India in Mohali last October.

Australia continue their Ashes preparations this week in a strong England Lions side at Worcester starting on Wednesday.

© AAP 2012

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