Prior to the 2009 Ashes series, the prospect of facing Australia at Lord’s was hardly enticing for England.
While the home of cricket should favour its hosts more than anyone given the frequency with which they play there, the old enemy were enjoying its virtues most.
Indeed, that memorable 115-run victory four years ago snapped a remarkable run of England not overcoming Australia at the venue since 1934.
That is one of many victories England have enjoyed at Lord’s in recent times, their record further whetting the appetite of skipper Alastair Cook ahead of the second Investec Test.
“It’s an incredible place to play cricket, and I think as an England side we’re very lucky to get to play here so often,” he said.
“Over the last few years, our record at Lord’s has improved a hell of a lot.
“I do remember in 2009 speaking about it – the fact we hadn’t won against Australia here for a long period of time, and it’d be great to change that.
“I’m not concerned at all. The batters have all scored runs here and bowlers taken wickets.”
One man who will be particularly looking forward to tomorrow’s encounter is Stuart Broad given the paceman’s figures of 7-44 as England dismissed New Zealand for 68 at Lord’s to seal a 170-run win earlier this year.
“He has bowled a lot of spells when five wickets have come quickly when England needed them most,” added Broad. “He came in and ripped the heart of New Zealand.”
This week’s encounter comes on the back of last week’s thrilling first Test at Trent Bridge – not that Cook is concerned about the challenge back-to-back Tests poses.
“We’re pretty used to that most of our Test series have back-to-back games and in New Zealand it was three Tests back-to-back,” he admitted.
“It was draining but as I said at the end of the game, it was crucial for us to get our recovery processes right as a side. It’s similar for both sides.
“Last week is gone now, bodies will be tired but you can always go again. It’s fantastic to be in an Ashes Test at Lord’s, there’s no need for any extra motivation.”
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