England are brimming with confidence before the Ashes but Australia's batting great Matthew Hayden says the tourists need to get their focus back on the importance of the first session of the series.
After a solid campaign of two wins and a draw in their three warm-up matches on tour, England landed in Brisbane over the weekend ahead of the first Test which starts at the Gabba on Thursday.
But Hayden has all but dismissed England's promising lead-up form, saying their Ashes hopes will hinge on how they perform in the Gabba Test's first session.
Hayden believed a tumultuous lead-up would give Australia the edge over a "sleepy" England in the Ashes opener.
If anyone knows the importance of a good start, it is Hayden.
He still sounded amazed when describing Harmison's now infamous opening ball of the 2006-07 Ashes series in Brisbane.
England never recovered, losing the series 5-0 - and the precious urn.
"The cricketing world was just mouth open," Hayden said in Brisbane on Sunday.
"Not to mention Justin Langer down that end, wondering is he on the wrong wicket.
"In a lot of ways it (the start) sets the tone.
"You are going to have to play well in those first two hours of the game.
"It sets the whole competition up for the rest of the summer."
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