There are few greater experiences than playing an Ashes Test at Lord’s and Australia have an imposing record at the ground, having lost only twice in 85 years, albeit on two of their last three visits. I think one of the reasons is when you come here as an Australian you know you might only get one chance to play a Test at the venue so you make the most of it. It doesn’t make it less special for an England player but they get a Test match or two here every year.

You walk in and you go through the Long Room and up to the change-rooms and you see the honour boards and it’s just really special. I made a hundred here in 1993 and being able to say ‘yes, I’ve made a century at the home of cricket’ made it that bit more memorable. You know your name is going to be up on that board forever.

Loading

Lord’s oozes with history but it’s interesting now when you come down from the stairs from the dressing-rooms and onto the slippery floor with your spikes on, you don’t have to make your way through the Long Room without the ropes. When Michael Slater and I went out to bat in ’93 you had to tap members on the shoulder who were in your way and say ‘excuse me sir’. They’d say ‘good luck, son, see you shortly’. That was their famous line. They were there to watch you get out. When you walk back in at lunch and you’re making runs, as Slats and I did, it’s a great feeling.

I also had the privilege of leading Australia at Lord’s in 1997 and captaining the side is another level again. Even the thrill of walking out for the toss is different, so it will be a great moment for Tim Paine. We all saw the fight and belief his team showed at Edgbaston and I think that with the additional lift they will get from simply playing at Lord’s, they’re in a really good place.