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Although a number of England’s Ashes victories at home and abroad have been built on fast pace, they have never fielded so many fast bowlers in the same team.
The team that won at home in the famous 2005 series included Steve Harmison, Simon Jones and Andrew Flintoff.
Raymond Illingworth’s victorious visitors to Australia in 1970-71 were Bob Willis, Peter Lever and John Snow, and the England team that won in 1954-55 included Brian Statham and Frank “Typhoon” Tyson.
Perhaps Australia’s most famous tour of England ever, the 1932–33 Bodyline series, caused diplomatic tensions between the two countries over a short bowling scheme intended to destabilize the great Don Bradman.
On this occasion – one of the most eagerly awaited Ashes series in recent memory – England are looking to reverse their atrocious record – having not won a Test in Australia in 2011.
Only five members of the 16-man squad have played a Test in Australia, but Atkinson says that could work to England’s advantage.
“That could be an advantage,” he told BBC Sport. “There are a lot of players who said they had a tough time here in Australia.
“For us, we’re a very comfortable group, very positive. There are no scars. It’s very exciting. We all see it as a great opportunity to do something special.”
Australia’s net session on Wednesday was briefly postponed due to the lightning threat.
The home side are expected to debut opener Jack Weatherald, with bowler Brendan Doggett also arriving after injuries to skipper Pat Cummins and fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood.
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