Australia says they are ready and waiting to take a new-look and resurgent England head-on in the Ashes, starting July 8 at Cardiff.

Captain Michael Clarke believes the five-Test series will be played in the correct spirit, even if some players come close to crossing the line.

Personal abuse, or ‘sledging’, has often played a part in matches between the sport's two oldest rivals, but Clarke said he does not find the practice beneficial.

Words are already being exchanged. The World champions poked fun at England's pre-Ashes camp in Spain, saying they are focused on retaining the most treasured prize in Test cricket, not 'sunbaking'. The English team is scheduled to fly to a secret location in Spain this weekend to get to know their new coach, Trevor Bayliss.

The Australians will spend time at a more noted venue, Kent's Spitfire Ground, after arriving in England. They start with the confidence of a team that, as series favourites, believes has the edge.