Stewart Hoping For Winning Start

Stewart spent his formative years playing grade cricket for Midland Guildford at the same ground.

And the 39-year-old hopes an early victory can be the boost as Stewart looks to end a miserable record of six series defeats out of six to the Aussies.

"It's a huge challenge for me and it's one I'm looking forward to," he stressed.

"It's not a proud record for me having playing six and lost six Ashes series and if this is the last one in Australia it would be a fantastic way to leave Australia with the Ashes.

"I have huge respect for the Australian people and I love the country, but realistically I'm not coming back here again to play cricket so I've come here with big hopes and I want to enjoy the tour - I want to win the Ashes."

Stewart is expected to take his place in a line-up which will be missing Darren Gough, who is still recovering from his long lay-off with knee trouble, while Andrew Flintoff is continuing his rehabilitation after his recent hernia operation.

Stewart could even play as a specialist batsman and allow understudy James Foster what is likely to be a rare opportunity during the tour behind the stumps, particularly as Michael Vaughan is also unlikely to feature while he recovers from knee surgery at the end of the season.

Simon Jones is also doubtful having not fully recovered from a side strain injury but may be used in short bursts even though he is yet to bowl at full capacity since his arrival in Perth.