'Very similar to what we have been doing in the past years' - Paul Collingwood reflects on England's preparation for Ashes

With the much-anticipated Ashes series right around the corner, both England and Australia will be keen on staying at the top of their games. The five-match series is scheduled to begin on June 16, and with ‘bazball’ cricket, many fans have been waiting in anticipation to see the Ben Stokes-led side execute their famous playing style against the Aussies.

Australia would be coming into the series on the back of their historic World Test Championship final win against India. However, it could be a completely different scenario against England, as they have been in sensational form in red-ball cricket.

The first Test of the marquee series is all set to begin on June 16, with the match set to be held at Edgbaston, Birmingham. With veteran Australian batter Steve Smith recently opining that he is looking forward to facing off against ‘bazball’ cricket, England’s assistant coach Paul Collingwood opined that England would not be making a change in their tactics just because they are competing in the Ashes.

"Very similar to what we have been doing in the past years. Not just because it’s the Ashes, we are not going to approach it in any different way. The guys have had fun playing in this manner, they have enjoyed each other’s company, be it on or off the field. It is just about stripping the pressure away from the players and playing like a group of friends. A group of best friends in the part, enjoying each other’s company," Paul Collingwood told Cricket Next in a media interaction.

"If you get that mentality, the value and skill that you bring to training, and take that into the match and have no consequences then you can get the best out of your ability. No way that they gonna take the foot off the pedal just because it’s against Australia. In fact, I know these guys, they’ll probably try to go a little bit harder," he added.