Formidable partnership: McGrath and Gillespie

Obviously the disappointment is immense and obviously I have no real choice other than to get on with it.

But with an Ashes series on our doorstep, my enthusiasm to see the Ashes retained has not been dampened at all.

Training this morning at Edgbaston was outstanding, with the guys fielding like they were preparing for the ultimate battle.

The energy was electric, as was the atmosphere in the practice nets.

From as objective a point of view as I can muster, our team on paper looks awesome.

The prospect of McGrath, Gillespie and Lee bowling is a sight any cricket lover must be counting their sleeps for.

Then throw in Shane Warne, our charismatic 'leggie' and one of the five Wisden cricketers of the century, to balance out the attack.

The England batsmen will surely have as much on their minds as a novice playing a round of mastermind.

Martyn's form has given him the edge

On the batting front, my replacement Damien Martyn is in tremendous form while Ricky Ponting is hitting the cricket ball like Tiger Woods hits the golf ball in the US Open.

With Adam Gilchrist coming in at number seven, there is a depth in our line-up that leaves any team green with envy.

Preparations for a Test match are a key factor in our success rate and, as preparations go, this one is going perfectly to plan.

One thing I have learned in my life is that, no matter what happens, the sun always comes up tomorrow.

And while the jab in my stomach is sure to leave a bruise, I am never one from shying away from a fight.

I have fought my way back into this Test side before - and there is no reason why I can't do it again.

As long as we retain these Ashes, I will leave these shores satisfied, no matter how many Test runs I have to my name.

From Edgbaston.

JL