Debutant Josh Tongue claimed five wickets to help England beat Ireland inside three days at Lord's, but only after a record 163-run partnership between tailenders Mark Adair and Andy McBrine.
England are on the verge of a first victory of the home summer after record-breaking innings by Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett almost saw Ireland defeated inside two days at Lord's.
England captain Ben Stokes can feel the excitement building ahead of the Ashes and is in no doubt over the long-term future of Test cricket.
Brendon McCullum is excited about the "magic" that could occur in the Ashes and has promised England will not move away from their aggressive approach at the first sign of danger.
England's Stuart Broad is gearing up to "go to battle" with long-time adversary David Warner in the Ashes, admitting he cannot kick his addiction to Test cricket.
Australian batter Usman Khawaja will arrive on English shores with an attitude adjustment despite his mountain of runs.