Australia will aim to end almost 20 years of Ashes angst next year in England, with the series likely to hinge on the swinging Dukes ball.
Steve Smith's side reclaimed the urn this summer, successfully nullifying the touring bowlers at every venue during the five-Test series.
That won't be nearly as easy in 2019, when Australia are expected to confront far more bowler-friendly conditions as they seek to record the nation's first Ashes series win in England since 2001.
It is a staggering streak that doesn't sit well with Smith, who has listed success in England as one of four items on his cricket bucket list.
Smith and coach Darren Lehmann have already started mapping out a blueprint for success.
Stopping the collapses that have marred so many failed campaigns, most recently the Stuart Broad rampage that resulted in Australia being rolled for just 60 at Trent Bridge, will be key.
"It's obviously different to playing a Kookaburra here," Smith said.
"It can move around consistently at times and I think everyone's vulnerable to a moving ball.
"It's a tough tour going to England. It's a great place to play and a difficult place for any team travelling."
Some bookmakers have already listed Australia as favourites for the 2019 Ashes.
"England play incredibly well at home, so I don't know who will be favourites," Smith said.
"It's about just trying to find a way to have a solid defence and a gameplan that can work in those conditions."
Jimmy Anderson and Broad toiled for limited reward this summer, slogging through their biggest ever series in terms of overs bowled.
Anderson and Broad will both be different beasts if they're taking the new ball next year.
Anderson, on track to be the most prolific paceman in Test history, has reiterated his desire to play on until the next Ashes series.
"I've never really liked looking too far ahead but I'd really like to be around in 2019," Anderson said on Monday.
"I'm going to do everything I possibly can be to be there for that series."
Anderson struggled to dismiss Smith in recent weeks but held out hope the world's best batsman could find life tougher in foreign conditions.
"Hopefully with a bit more movement through the air in England in 2019, we can have a bit more success," Anderson said.
Australia's quest to retain the urn will be boosted by the fact Shaun Marsh, Mitch Marsh, Cameron Bancroft and Nathan Lyon are among the Australian Test stars playing county cricket this year.
"A lot of other players have also had experience in those conditions as it is," Smith said.
"Playing county cricket has been great for some people's games ... it's certainly been beneficial."
Share
