The Australians want it known that they have their house in order after a ragged tour start and are on track for their ninth consecutive Ashes Test series victory over England. Ricky Ponting's team has recovered from a calamitious lead-up, humiliated by Asian minnows Bangladesh in a one-dayer followed by two losses to England before tieing the triangular series Lord's final after having England struggling at 33 for five.
Adam Gilchrist gave the Australians the perfect Ashes tonic with a rumbustious unbeaten 121 off 101 balls in the world champions' eight-wicket victory for a 2-1 one-day international series win ahead of Thursday's first Ashes Test.
Australia are the top-ranked Test nation, having lost only twice (both to India) in their last 20 Tests, while England are second having also lost just two of their last 20 Tests and winners of their last five Test series.