Ashes: Final preparations for the first Test

England's Andrew Strauss, front, in the nets ahead of tomorrow's first Test Photograph: Mike Egerton/Empics Sport

Monty Panesar takes in some catching practice Photograph: Mike Egerton/Empics Sport

Kevin Pietersen receives some treatment Photograph: Mike Egerton/Empics Sport

England's Ashes shirt Photograph: Mike Egerton/Empics Sport

Andrew Flintoff turns his arm over Photograph: Gareth Copley/PA

Andrew Strauss, England coach Andy Flower and spin-bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed look on as Panesar prepares to bowl Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty

Pietersen looks to the skies Photograph: Mike Egerton/Empics Sport

The England squad during their nets session Photograph: Gareth Copley/PA

Strauss strolls up into the stands ... Photograph: Gareth Copley/PA

... while Graham Onions heads out to the field Photograph: Gareth Copley/PA

Flintoff grimaces as he goes through his stretching exercises Photograph: William West/AFP

The England players pose for a team photo Photograph: Gareth Copley/PA

And Pietersen finds an unsual way to carry a chair Photograph: Mike Egerton/Empics Sport

Alastair Cook takes a catch during training Photograph: William West/AFP

Australia's Ricky Ponting plays ball Photograph: Mike Egerton/Empics Sport

Brett Lee, who will miss the first Test through injury, during the nets session at Sophia Gardens Photograph: Gareth Copley/PA

Australia hold a team meeting during training Photograph: Mike Egerton/Empics Sport

Ponting has the Ashes urn in his possession, but for how much longer? Photograph: Mike Egerton/Empics Sport

Ponting holds the cup as Strauss gets his hands on the urn Photograph: William West/AFP