Three cheers for England...can they make it four?

"It is a good time to be playing Australia. Our preparation has been pretty much spot on so we're eager to get into what we view as the most important part of the summer."

In keeping with what is clearly official Team England policy, Strauss had no more trouble playing down talk of an Aussie crisis than he did in getting on top of Bangladesh's bowling.

"It was interesting Somerset got 340-odd to win but we all know it is possible to do that at Taunton," the Middlesex left-hander said. "It would be dangerous to read too much into it. "I remember last time they were here they lost to Middlesex and everyone was asking whether things were slipping. They went on to win that one-day series very comfortably.

"They'll be very keen to come back strongly on Sunday. It should be a good tussle."

Some England teams during nearly 20 years of domination from Down Under have looked, and sounded, beaten before a ball was bowled.

Now, though, they clearly relish the prospect of testing themselves against the best. And that is what thrills skipper Vaughan the most.

"I believe the team are mentally prepared to give it their best shot," he said. "They don't look daunted or scared. They look excited and that's all I can ask of them."

Meanwhile, Brett Lee has received the allclear on his shoulder injury. The 28-year-old Australian fast bowler has been passed fit but is unlikely to be included this weekend. Tomorrow: Australia v Bangladesh (Cardiff). Sunday: England v Australia (Bristol)