The first Test may be more than six months away, but Australia skipper Ricky Ponting is already looking forward to trying to snatch the Ashes back from England.
Ponting and his team are still smarting from England's memorable 2-1 series win last summer, and the 31-year-old believes the introduction of players such as Mike Hussey will give Australia an edge as they aim to reclaim the famous urn at the earliest opportunity.
"Last summer, our senior players weren't at their best, but we sat down and had a good look at it and found out where the weak links were, and I think we've sorted that out," Ponting told PA Sport ahead of Monday's Laureus World Sport Awards in Barcelona.
"I know the guys are relaxing away from cricket at the moment, but we've had a changeover in personnel, we're playing really well and we're all pretty keen looking forward to the Ashes.
"The anticipation will be great, and I understand they've sold loads of tickets for the Boxing Day clash (at Melbourne Cricket Ground).
"There will be bigger grounds this year, so hopefully the excitement will be even greater."
