Australia will start this Ashes series as the overwhelming underdogs, with some even predicting a 5-0 whitewash at the hands of England. If the Aussies want to pick up some momentum and set the tone for the rest of the series, there is no better place to start than the first morning of the first day of the first Test at Trent Bridge Wednesday.
"All I can ask for, as a playing group, is to make sure you prepare as well as you possibly can and I think every single one of the boys has done that," Australia captain Michael Clarke said. "Now it's about going out on that stage and playing with freedom. Back your own ability.
"We have so much talent inside that room and I'd just love to see the guys play with freedom and play their natural games. In regards to what's happened so far on this tour I couldn't ask for anything more from the players. Now it's about going and reaping the rewards.
"We've talked about a lot but I think the talking is done for us as a team now. Our preparation's finished. Guys will come down today and do what they need to do mentally more than anything else to prepare for tomorrow.
"Our team meetings are done. Our knowledge on the England team is done. Now, as I said to the guys last night, it's not what you say, it's what you do."
England skipper Alastair Cook will be heading the side for the first time in an Ashes series and while nerves might play a part on such a big occasion, the left-hander cannot wait to get started.
"Everyone is desperately excited to be here today," Cook said. "There has been such a build-up to the game and we have finally arrived at, pretty much, game day.
"There is just excitement and obviously there are a few nerves floating around.
"We do have to remind ourselves how lucky we are, to be playing in an Ashes series at a fantastic venue with some great support. Sometimes you have to take yourself out of the moment and actually enjoy it because that is what we play sport for in the first place."
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