Cricket fan Federer fires Ashes warning

Melbourne, Jan 17 (AFP) Self-confessed cricket fan RogerFederer warned the England team to enjoy holding on to theAshes after cruising through his opening match at theAustralian Open today.

Watched by members of the touring England team, justweeks after their first series win in Australia for 24 years,the Swiss maestro put paid to Lukas Lacko of Slovakia instraight sets on Rod Laver Arena.

Federer, a fan of many sports, was asked by an Englishreporter at his post-match conference if he was aware of thesignificance of England''s 3-1 Ashes series win over Australiathis month.

"I do follow cricket, yes. I did see a bit of the Ashesat the very beginning. Then after that I didn''t see muchanymore," Federer said.

"Yeah, I always like to watch cricket when I''m down here(in Australia).

"Yesterday I was watching the (Australia-England) one daymatch a bit.

"Yeah, I know it''s big news, so you should be happy thatyou have it.

"It''s not always going to be like that, it changes, youknow. But they played well, so..." (AFP) SNK