Australia fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus has identified Andrew Strauss as the key man in England's batting line-up.

And the Tasmanian is desperate to get his hands on the new ball during the Ashes so he can "rattle" England's captain and senior opening batsman.

Hilfenhaus said in The Age: "I see myself as a new-ball bowler. I'm doing everything I can to make sure that I'm as best-prepared as I can be and give myself every chance to be a part of that first (Test) team.

"If we get him cheaply and get under his nose, it's a good chance for us to get on top of them early.

"I see him as a pretty big leader for them. If we can rattle him up a bit, the rest will follow."

Strauss was England's leading runscorer when they regained the urn in 2009, while Hilfenhaus led the wicket-taking charts with 22 at 27 apiece.

Hilfenhaus will sit out Tasmania's Sheffield Shield clash with New South Wales this week as he prepares for Brisbane.

''It gives me a chance to be very fresh for that first Test. The body's going really well and the ball's coming out OK.''