England v Australia, head-to-heads (batsmen)

Strauss v Ponting
England's skipper knows all to well that this has been the best chance for England to win the Ashes Down Under since the victorious tour in 1986-87. Ponting however, does not want to be the first Australian captain to lose three series to England and will attempt to use home strengths to his advantage.

Cook v Katich
A misfiring Cook has finally found some form in the recent tour matches, but the left-hander must be wary of being caught in the headlights as he was before in 2006-07. New South Wales batsman Katich has also been struggling to find his feet, as a series of disappointing displays with the bat will keep him looking over his shoulder.

Pietersen v Clarke
England's star batsman has not been able to produce the form that propelled him to stardom in recent months, but despite the comings and goings of the form, Pietersen will be in his element against Australia. Clarke averaged a sublime 77.80 on England's last tour to Australia, and the New South Wales player will seek to replicate this form to devastating effect.

Bell v Hussey
Warwickshire batsman Bell seems right at home in Australia, with a terrific knock of 192 coming against Australia 'A' coming just a week prior to the first Test in Brisbane. He also averaged 33.10 on the last tour in 2006-07, the third highest by an Englishman behind Strauss and Pietersen. Hussey, or 'Mr. Cricket' as he's known, averaged an outrageous 91.60 in 2006-07 against the English, and despite some indifferent form of late, will be relishing facing Strauss and co once again in his own backyard.

Watson v Trott
The all-rounder can be a useful asset to the Baggy Greens’ chances of reclaiming the urn, if he fires on all cylinders. Averaging 48.00 with the bat in the 2009 series was confidence personified, and as a fifth bowler, will provide Australia with a new dimension. Trott marked his debut against Ponting’s men with a century at the Oval and he will look to continue this trend. In danger of becoming the nation’s favourite South African, the 29-year-old will play a key role in whether or not England can achieve glory.

North v Collingwood
The Western Australian cannot anticipate which player will turn up each day, an unflattering failure to get beyond 31 in 22 of his 32 innings will undoubtedly play on his mind. Yet five centuries in such a short space of time confuses analysts even further, so it is up to North who turns up on day one. England’s old faithful, in the shape of the athletic Paul Collingwood, may well be singing his last hurrah Down Under. The 34-year-old has enjoyed two Ashes series victories, along with humiliation in 2006-07, despite scoring 206 at Adelaide in a defiant stand with Kevin Pietersen. A man who will not let the team down at any cost.

Tomorrow, the wicket-keepers and bowlers.