Moeen Ali couldn't sleep before his last Ashes series - and his first one in Australia could prove to be another nightmare.
Peter Handscomb has declared Australia's batsmen will look to "milk" the England offspinner for runs in an attempt to tire out Joe Root's pace attack.
Ali has limited playing experience in Australia, where touring tweakers are targeted regularly and tormented on pitches that offer them little assistance.
Handscomb said the 30-year-old could expect the same sort of treatment.
"In Australia, it can be tough to bowl spin. Moeen can definitely be one we can go after a little bit to put pressure on their quicks to come back early and bowl longer spells," he said.
"We also know Moeen is a very good player and very smart because he can bat as well. He understands what batters are thinking.
"We've got to be calculated and careful but we'll try and get him if we can."
Ali has had an interrupted preparation for the series, missing England's pink-ball tour match in Adelaide due to a side strain. He took two wickets in their drawn clash with a Cricket Australia XI last week in Townsville.
"Hopefully, I'm still in when he's bowling," Handscomb said.
"I will try and use my feet and do what I normally do with spin.
"It doesn't necessarily mean I'll try and hit him over the top. I struggle to hit sixes at big grounds.
"If we can work him around and milk him a little bit, it will be ideal."
Ali was unsure what sort of treatment he would receive from the Australian players.
But he was already having to calm himself down as the excitement and anticipation heightened ahead of the first Test, starting on Thursday at the Gabba.
"I remember the last Ashes at home. I didn't sleep too well before the first game," he said.
"But once I got out there ... I tried to always remind myself that it's just a game of cricket. It's not such a big deal as people make out.
"It's a bat and a ball and you're trying to compete against the opposition and do your best. That's all you can do.
"If things don't happen, then they don't and, if they do, then that's great."
