Ashes 2019; 1st Match; Doesn't matter if we play at Edgbaston, The Gabba or on The Moon -Tim Paine
England and Australia finished their preparations ahead of the Ashes series which starts at Edgbaston on Thursday - with several sub-plots surrounding the first of the five-Test series.
One of them is the venue for the First Test itself with England undefeated at the Birmingham venue in their last 11 matches in all formats, their last Test defeat there came back in 2001 - and their camp has acknowledged the part the vociferous crowd has played in their favour.
But Australia captain Tim Paine said on Wednesday that he "could name 15" more intimidating grounds in world cricket.
