The England squad are in good spirits as they prepare to face a new-look Australia in the opening Ashes Test in Cardiff next week.

England have had a varied year, bouncing back from the departure of coach Peter Moores and a dreadful performance in Jamaica, where they were bowled out for 51 by the West Indies.

However, the team have bounced back improved performances at home against the same team.

Wicket-keeper Matt Prior summed up the feeling in the squad, saying: "The mood in the camp is fantastic. As a squad we've gone through some tough times, but when you come through those tough times and you sort of crawl out the other end you become a lot stronger for it.

"Right now we've got a squad of guys enjoying each other's company, enjoying each other's success and first and foremost we've got a squad all pulling in the same direction so it's really exciting."

England's use of swing bowling in the 2005 series was one of the foundations of their success, something Stuart Broad and James Anderson will be looking to repeat this time around.

"I think swing will be the key. If it's a big blue sky like this it might not swing conventionally but that's when we'll have to work on reverse," said Broad.

"I think that's going to be crucial in the Ashes series, it's something we've been practicing," he continued.

"We've got one of the best swing bowlers in the world with Jimmy Anderson and that will be very dangerous if it does swing."

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