The teams have made their way out onto the field, Alastair Cook and Joe Root emerging to raucous reception. Cook to face the first ball from James Pattinson… here we go!

… is won by Alastair Cook and England will bat first here at Trent Bridge. Also confirmation has come in that Steven Finn will be England’s third seamer, and that there will be no place for David Warner. First blood to the hosts?

Alastair Cook believes his England side are well prepared for the challenges to follow as the first Investec Ashes Test begins tomorrow at Trent Bridge.

England will look to claim a third series on the bounce when they begin tomorrow and go into the series as favourites.

This hasn’t affected England’s preparation and Cook revealed he is very happy with where the squad is at.

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Businesses in and around Trent Bridge are always happy to see international cricket staged at Trent Bridge.

The increased thoroughfare of people leads to a busy but successful time for Nottingham, one which many will thrive over the coming summer.

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Glenn McGrath has produced his latest Ashes predictions but the former fast bowler has steered clear of saying it will be a 5-0 whitewash.

He admits that Australia are underdogs heading into the Ashes but can’t see why they won’t defeat England and regain the urn.

“England are the favourites,” the 43-year-old said.

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England go into the Ashes beginning on Wednesday as firm favourites in the eyes of many pundits and fans across the world.

This is unfamiliar territory for a team that has been bullied by Australia on many occasions and Andrew Flintoff believes this could be a crucial factor in the series.

“Historically, England have not been good at being the front-runners,” Ashes winner Flintoff said.

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Ever wanted to know everything about one of the historic sporting series of all time? Well look no further as snapshot media has produced an infographic for all you stat lovers out there.

See here for all your Ashes stats: http://towncentrecarparks.com/the-ashes-2013-infographic 

Most visitors to Nottingham will have seen the statute of Brian Clough in the city centre. However, few will be familiar with an equally impressive statue of another of Nottinghamshire’s sporting heroes, Harold Larwood.

This imposing nine foot bronze statue stands in the middle of Kirby in Ashfield. It was created by local sculptor Neale Andrew, who is quoted as saying “I think it shows the fearsomeness of his bowling, and you can imagine standing with a bat 22 yards away and – err well- I wouldn’t like to be there!”

Lets hope that the Australian batsman will feel the same this week when they face local lad Stuart Broad!