Sky Sports - England in Australia

Plenty of Australian expectation will be placed on the broad shoulders of Tasmanian Hilfenhaus when the Ashes series gets underway on November 25.

The Aussie seamer has quickly become one of the first names on the team sheet and heads into this winter's showpiece as his country's most in-form bowler.

The right-armer exploited seam-friendly conditions beautifully in England 18 months ago - finishing the 2009 Ashes series as the leading wicket-taker with 22 scalps to his name.

And he has continued his fine form on throughout 2010, captain Ricky Ponting describing his bowling as "sensational" during the recent 2-0 series defeat in India.

Hilfenhaus, whose major source of income in and before 2005 came through working on a building site, is making up for lost time after injuries plagued the early part of his career.

Back and knee troubles still linger for the stocky paceman who will have to be nursed through the gruelling five-match series.

Hilfenhaus had to wait until February 2009 to be presented with his Baggy Green, joining fellow Tasmanian Ponting in the Test team.

He has never looked back since claiming Brendan McCullum as his maiden international wicket on his home ground of Hobart back in 2007. The 27-year-old has gone on to take 48 wickets in just 13 Tests at an average of 31.06.

Despite his relative inexperience at the highest level, Australia will be hoping big things from 'Hilfy', who is expected to share the new ball with Doug Bollinger.

His batting could also have an impact on the upcoming series, a trouble-free 56 not out against Pakistan recently at Lord's a clear indication of his improvement with the willow.