DURHAM'S new overseas paceman Brad Williams was last night remaining tight-lipped on who he thought would win the current Ashes series - but admits the Aussies have a battle on their hands.

Williams, who arrived at Riverside on Wednesday as a replacement for Mick Lewis, is the third Australian fast bowler to play for Durham this summer after Lewis and Ashley Noffke, and will make his debut in tomorrow's totesport League match against Somerset at Taunton.

The 30-year-old is relishing the challenge as the club strives on two fronts to gain promotion from both the second tier of the County Championship and National Cricket League. But, even he admitted he has been swept away by the current breathtaking Ashes series.

"It has been a really good battle so far. There has been some great cricket and England are playing really well," said Williams, who has four Tests and 25 ODIs under his belt for the Aussies. "But it would be good to see Australia bounce back."

Despite England's renaissance and their meteoric rise to number two in the world rankings, many still felt the touring side would have too much for their hosts.

But with the series evenly poised at one-all, after three Tests and two to play, the contest could go either way.

Williams reckons his home nation have neither underestimated nor been surprised by how well their opponents have faired this summer and says it's all to play for.

"They (England) had a pretty good lead up (to the series) and I think the Aussies knew they had a hard battle on their hands," admitted Williams, who plays his cricket down under for Western Australia. "But, I think it has just taken them a while to adapt to the conditions and the England bowlers are causing a few problems for us.

"I have been impressed by Steve Harmison. I think him and (Andrew) Flintoff have been the key and then (Simon) Jones has been finishing them off. At the moment those three are bowling very well, and Matthew Hoggard seems to be hitting his straps a little bit - the Aussies have a battle on their hands."

Australia have pretty much dominated the world stage over the last ten years without any real challenge to their top billing. But England have provided the Aussies with a real test to their overall supremacy in this Ashes series, and Williams admitted this is healthy for the game as a whole.

He said: "I think it's good for world cricket to see England going well and giving Australia a run for their money.

"I think people want to see a good a contest. People don't want to watch Australia come along and thrash a side again. It's a good series, I'm enjoying it anyway."

Meanwhile, Durham's latest bowling acquisition admitted he is champing at the bit to be involved in competitive cricket again after a season ravaged by injury.

He says he knew little of his new club until captain Mike Hussey joined earlier this year but revealed he is no stranger to the North-East.

"I came over here in 1995 with an Australian A side and I played against Durham at the old Racecourse Ground - I think I took three wickets in that game," said Williams, who if things go well would jump at the chance of being Durham's second overseas player with Hussey next term.

Williams arrives at Riverside at a crucial stage in Durham's season.

The club are leading a double-pronged promotion assault on the county and Sunday limited-overs league. They currently sit at the top of the County Championship Division Two table and second in the totesport League Division Two with three county games and six one-dayers to play.

Williams understands he'll have no time to find his feet but says he's relishing the challenge.

"It's a great time to come over to a club who is top in one league and second in the other. Hopefully I can contribute a bit to their success.

"I tried to get a bit of rhythm going in training and I've felt good. If I can slowly build it up and not try and bowl at 100 miles-an-hour I should be alright.

"I hope it doesn't take too much time to adapt. If I stick to the basics and do them well I'll take a few wickets. but I'm looking forward to it.

"I enjoy the pressure and the competitive spirit comes out and that takes over. I can't wait."

Read more about Durham here.