“Reputations and legend are generally made out of these bigger series and there is no bigger series than an Ashes series to do that, One good initiative we have had since we have been here is during every game day or training day, one or two guys have been telling us what an Ashes series means to them, and what it means to be a part of it. Hearing them say some of the things they have said makes me think they really want to forge their own identities and make an impact in this series. The thinking caps will have to go on and we will have to work out what the best XI will be in these conditions down here. We have got more than capable guys to step into that void. You can understand from their (England’s) point of view they will want to replicate everything that happened and they did in 2005. But I think we are a better team as a result of that series, and better prepared than we were then. If you look at our overall squad, we have got really good balance, not just in one certain area but right the way through. Our fast-bowling attack – all five of the guys feel as though they should be in the team – is a real positive for us. We have flexibility as well in that all of the bowlers are very different in what they do and what skills they have. We have got a good blend of experience and youth in our batting as well. “I think those things puts us slightly ahead of whatever England have got.” OZ captain Ricky Ponting said.
