At last! The waiting is nearly over and tomorrow the Ashes finally start. I can't remember a series which has been as eagerly anticipated as this one. That's entirely because we haven't won since 1987, but at last we are in with a shout. Australia are still favourites and in my heart of hearts I think they will probably win. But we've got a young team and for once they are used to winning and we all hope it will be close. And if we won... I think the country would go nuts - more even than the Rugby world cup.

The Ashes is a 5 match series but everyone says the first match is going to be key (which is unfortunate as Australia haven't lost at Lords since 1938!). And the first day is going to be crucial. And on the first day, the first session is critical. And that very first ball is going to be absolutely critical - it could set the tone for everything that follows.

I keep going through scenarios, gloomy ones, happy ones, just killing time till it starts. I see us batting first. McGrath to Trescothick.... My happy place sees Tres smash the first ball through the covers for 4. My sad place sees him waft outside off stump and get caught in the slips. Or Australia bat first and first ball, Harmison to Hayden - he gets clean bowled! Or he dispatches a long-hop, no ball for 5 off the first ball. Aaaaaaargh.

Bring it on!