Since last summer England have struggled, losing 2-0 in Pakistan, drawing 1-1 against India and Sri Lanka, before a morale-boosting 3-0 triumph over Pakistan.

Australia have won 11 and drawn one of their 12 Tests in that time but opener Andrew Strauss says that will not be a factor when the teams lock horns.

"The greatest thing is we know we can beat Australia. A lot of previous England sides never had that experience and feeling, so that makes it easier going into the series," the left-hander said.

"What we did against Pakistan and what Australia did is irrelevant come that first Test match."