Aussie Pete expecting Barmy Army taunts

As an Australian cricketer with English parents, Peter Handscomb will be an easy target for the Barmy Army's songwriters this summer.

And the Victorian isn't expecting anything less.

Handscomb will experience his maiden Ashes Test this week, the first time he's played against the birthplace of his parents, when the Magellan Ashes Series gets underway on Thursday.

Even though the 26-year-old insists his mother and father "are well and truly Australian now" having lived in their adopted country for more than three decades, the right-hander is sure to be reminded of his heritage when the thousands of English supporters warm up their vocal chords at The Gabba.

"I hope they’ve got a song for me," Handscomb said this week.

"I'll be disappointed if they don’t. I want to see what they’ve got.

"Both my parents are English; Dad was born in Cambridge and Mum (in) south-west London.

"(But) they both came over here 30-35 years ago, mate, so they are well and truly Australian now.

"They will be backing me and the Australian team, that’s for sure."

Tens of thousands of English supporters have arrived on Australian soil for the latest Ashes battle and the renowned Barmy Army have already given a sneak preview of their song sheet.

For opposing skipper Steve Smith, they’ve compiled a ditty poking fun at his Decision Review System "brain fade" in India earlier this year, when he illegally looked towards the team viewing area for advice on whether he should call for the third umpire.

Sung to the tune of The Beatles' 'I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends', the Barmy Army revealed last week that they will croon, "What should I do/Should I use a review/Can you stand up and signal to me?" when Smith strides to the crease.

And they've also promised some new material for Australia's combative opener and vice-captain David Warner.

Handscomb has vowed to relish the atmosphere of what is set to be a packed Brisbane crowd, adding the good-natured ribbing isn't just restricted to the English men and women who are in Australia this summer.

"Most of my (extended) family is in England," he said.

"I am getting the well-wishers of ‘I hope you go well but I hope the rest of the team doesn’t’.

"It’s all in good fun.

"The whole atmosphere and crowd is going to be awesome. I’m going to try and enjoy it."

2017-18 International Fixtures:

Magellan Ashes Series

First Test Gabba, November 23-27. Buy tickets

Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night). Buy tickets

Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Buy tickets

Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Buy tickets

Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Buy tickets

Gillette ODI Series v England

First ODI MCG, January 14. Buy tickets

Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Buy tickets

Third ODI SCG, January 21. Buy tickets

Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Buy tickets

Fifth ODI Perth TBC, January 28. Join the ACF

Prime Minister's XI

PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Buy tickets

Gillette T20 INTL Series

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Buy tickets

Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Buy tickets

Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Buy tickets

Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 13

Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16

Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18

Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21