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'It's going to be one hell of a battle'

July 10, 2013 03:51 IST
England's captain Alastair Cook stands with Australia captain Michael Clarke (right) while holding a replica Ashes urn before Wednesday's first Test at Trent Bridge

The final chapter of the Ashes build-up ended in predictable fashion on Tuesday when opposing captains Alastair Cook and Michael Clarke played the straightest of bats ahead of the first test at Trent Bridge.

Australia skipper Clarke was more than happy to accept his team were underdogs going into the start of the five-match series on Wednesday while England leader Cook was confident his side would handle the pressure of being favourites.

"We have been favourites in other series as well and I think it sits well," Cook told a packed news conference in the pavilion. "But cricket is not played on paper and it is all about delivering on the pitch.

"Australia are a very, very good side. They have some world-class players and I think there is going to be a very good standard of cricket in this series.

"We've always known it's going to be one hell of a battle," said Cook.

'We are all embracing Darren's style now'

July 10, 2013 03:51 IST
Australia's captain Michael Clarke (left) talks to coach Darren Lehmann during a training session

Australia's preparations have been far from ideal, with Darren Lehmann brought in as coach to replace the sacked Mickey Arthur just over two weeks ago.

"We come here as underdogs but that won't affect our performances," Clarke said. "Darren and Mickey are two completely different people.

"Personally I have enjoyed talking cricket with 'Boof' (Lehmann) who I was lucky enough to play with. We are all embracing Darren's style now."

'There are a lot of nerves and excitement'

July 10, 2013 03:51 IST
England's captain Alastair Cook talks during a news conference

Cook said the England players could not wait to begin their defence of the Ashes.

"Everyone is desperately excited to be here today after such a long build-up," he said.

"There are a lot of nerves and excitement but it's important not to blow it out of all proportion."

'Joe Root is a fantastic young player'

July 10, 2013 03:51 IST
England's Joe Root prepares to catch a ball during a training session

Clarke expressed surprise England had opted to promote youngster Joe Root to open the batting with Cook in preference to the more experienced Nick Compton.

"Joe has handled himself in every situation fantastically well," Cook said. "He has managed to change his style to every situation and is a fantastic young player."

Both captains said they knew their starting XIs but did not give any clues.

The pitch is expected to be dry and the weather conditions warm which might give the batsmen an advantage at a ground where swing bowlers usually perform well.

'How you play is more important'

July 10, 2013 03:51 IST
England's captain Alastair Cook talks during a news conference ahead of the opening Ashes Test at Trent Bridge

But Cook, leading England for the first time in an Ashes series, played down the significance of winning the toss.

"The toss is important but how you play is more important," he said. "Our group of bowlers have the skills and experience to hold us in good stead in any conditions."

Cook said the England players had been inspired by a weekend spent watching the British and Irish Lions win their rugby test series in Australia and Andy Murray's momentous victory at Wimbledon.

"That was an incredible moment for British sport," Cook said. "A lot of our players are big tennis and rugby fans and it was fantastic watching as genuine sports fans."

'Now it's about what we do on the field'

July 10, 2013 03:51 IST
Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke speaks to the media

Clarke said with a wry smile that he was aware of the recent British sporting success but was confident his inexperienced team were capable of winning back the Ashes.

"Every one of the boys has prepared to the best of their ability," he said. "I've told them to play with freedom, to back their ability and play their natural game.

"Our preparation is done. Now it's about what we do on the field."

Source: REUTERS
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