Ben Stokes has a chance to become part of England cricket folklore over the coming months, but the star allrounder doesn't want his captaincy to be completely defined by Ashes success or failure.
England have not won a Test match in Australia since claiming the 2010/11 series 3-1, with their record Down Under since then reading a woeful 13 losses and two draws.
Since the end of the second World War, only five England captains have won an Ashes series on Australian soil - Andrew Strauss (2010/11), Mike Gatting (1986-87), Mike Brearley (1978-79), Ray Illingworth (1970-71) and Len Hutton (1954-55).
Stokes knows what is at stake in the upcoming series, which begins at Perth Stadium on Friday, and he's ready for his date with destiny.
But he hopes his overall legacy as captain - which includes the introduction of Bazball alongside coach Brendon McCullum in 2022 - isn't forgotten, no matter what the result.
"Look I understand what the series means in my journey as England captain," Stokes said on Thursday.
"It's certainly the biggest series that I will lead the side in.
"I'm aware of that. Brendon is aware of that as coach, (England managing director) Rob Key is obviously aware of that in his role as well.
"I understand all the 'defining series' (talk), all that kind of stuff, I get it.
"But for me personally, it's not going to detract ... away from what I've given to my role as England captain.
"It's been three-and-a-half years of a lot of time and effort put into this role, it's something I've thoroughly enjoyed.
"I wake up every morning loving what I do, because it's the greatest honour in English cricket to lead this team out."
England have only tasted victory in one of their 14 Tests in Perth, and they are yet to play a Test at Perth Stadium.
"This is my first time playing at this stadium in particular. I didn't mind the WACA last time, to be honest, I did alright there (scoring 120)," Stokes said.
"But look coming to Australia, playing against Australia - they're a seriously good team.
"Everyone knows the record of England over the history of Ashes series (in) Australia isn't the best, but we've got an opportunity here over the next two-and-a-half months to write our own history.
"We've obviously come here with the goal, and that goal is to get on that plane mid-January, returning to England being Ashes winners."
England have named veteran paceman Mark Wood in their 12-man squad, but are still weighing up whether to unleash him in Perth.
Australia will unveil opener Jake Weatherald and paceman Brendan Doggett for their Test debuts, with allrounder Beau Webster the unlucky man to miss out.
