Australia are favourites going into the 2015 Ashes as they chase a first series victory in England since 2001.
England may still be bearing the scars of their 2013/14 campaign, when an inspired Mitchell Johnson picked up 37 wickets. The left-arm quick will again be part of a fearsome pace attack that includes World Cup star Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood.
It is that bowling attack that will give the visitors the edge as the two sides batting lineups look equally vulnerable in places. England may now bat deep thanks to the additions of Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali but, barring Alastair Cook and Joe Root, they may not have the batsmen to dictate the course of the game.
The series starts on Wednesday with the opening test at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, scene of Monty Panesar and James Anderson’s obdurate final day stand in 2009, before ending at The Oval in late August, 10 years on from England’s memorable series win that inspired a nation.
Scroll down for cricket correspondent Tom Collomosse’s preview of the series