Strauss fires up Ashes troops
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England captain Andrew Strauss has called for an end to "hunky-dory" relations with Australia until after the final ball of this winter's Ashes series had been bowled.
The 33-year-old wants his players to be cordial towards their opponents but otherwise keep their distance during the five-Test battle.
"Ultimately, until the end of that fifth Test, they're two sides at war with each other," said Strauss the day before England's departure to Australia.
"Both sides know that, at the end of the series, 11 guys are going to be feted as heroes and 11 guys are going to have failed in their task.
"Until that final Test is over, there's no point in being too hunky-dory and friendly with the opposition. Our task is to go out there and beat them."
Strauss stressed there was no ill feeling behind his sentiments, adding: "I don't think it's about anger. It's about being clinical and logical, and dealing with the pressure well.
"It's not about us hating the Australians or anything like that. It's about us going out there and beating the other 11 guys on the park."
Opening batsman Strauss saw first hand just how ruthless Australia could be four years ago when England were whitewashed 5-0 Down Under.
He is desperate to bury the ghosts of that series.
"We're out there to win. Simple. That's our goal," he said. "Everything we've done, every decision we've made up until now, has been about us winning this Ashes series."