Buckle up: liberated England face ultimate test against greatest rivals

E ven by the lofty standards of the Ashes and cricket’s most storied rivalry, anticipation over these past few days has reached a level approaching critical mass. During a sun-drenched buildup at Edgbaston, as players prepped, bar staff loaded up the store rooms like missile silos, and mowers buzzed around the outfield, there has been an abundance of knowing looks and instant smiles, every interaction swiftly followed by theories and predictions. The stage is finally set, the pyrotechnics locked and loaded, and all we need now is that initial spark.

It comes at 11am on Friday morning when, in front of 25,000 spectators, and hopefully millions watching and listening at home and overseas, the first cherry-ripe ball is sent down – a moment which itself has become part of the 146-year legend. In the past they have sailed past off-stump, flown gallingly wide to second slip, whistled to the rope or clattered into the timber; often it means little, sometimes it sets the tone.

In the last series, it unquestionably did the latter. When Mitchell Starc detonated the leg stump of Rory Burns at a febrile Gabba 18 months ago, it set in motion a full-blown dismantlement of England and a 4-0 defeat from which many – including yours truly – expected a long and painful road back. Joe Root lasted one more limp tour as captain and Australia, it was thought, would probably be nailed on to end a 22-year drought during the return visit this summer.

In the intervening time they appear to have grown stronger. Under the blue-eyed, smiling leadership of Pat Cummins they have clearly deepened their bonds as a playing unit, confident enough to relegate their head coach, Justin Langer, to the role of Banquo’s ghost up in the commentary box. A