Pat Cummins has been labelled Australia’s “wildcard” as the tourists set their sights on exposing England’s bowler-heavy batting lineup in Friday’s one-day series opener.

England successfully employed four quicks and a spinner this month against the West Indies in recording their sixth straight one-day series win on home soil.

The hosts are expected to play a formidable bowling attack in Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Steve Finn and Graeme Swann this week at Lord’s.

Vice captain Shane Watson suggested that strength could be turned into a weakness if Australia were able to collect some early scalps at the home of cricket.

“I suppose playing four out and out quick bowlers and one main spinner means if we are able to make inroads into their batting lineup, they might be one batsman short,” Watson said.

“That is something which is really important for us to have success here to try and make inroads.

“That has been one of England’s strengths over the last little period of time, being able to score heavily in the top three.”

England one-day captain Alastair Cook, who only made five for Essex on Tuesday against Australia, has been in sensational form in the 50-over form of the game.

He has scored three hundreds and an 80 in his past six one-day internationals with opening partner Ian Bell and No.3 Jonathan Trott both in good nick.

Cook missed out on the chance to face Cummins this week and Watson thought the fact none of the England batsmen have faced the young speedster could work in Australia’s favour.

“He will be a handful especially the English have not really seen him much,” Watson said.

“That will definitely be a nice little wildcard for us compared to a number of us who have played all of the England bowlers.

“That is a nice little thing to have but Pat and the rest of our bowling unit in general are going to have to bowl really well.”