Eoin Morgan is banking on England’s "free-spirited" approach to power them towards their first priority of making the World Cup’s quarter-finals.
The Three Lions have the chance lay down a very early marker when they face Australia in their tournament opener on Saturday, a game few others can match for intensity.
Indeed, the atmosphere at a sell-out Melbourne Cricket Ground is sure to play its part, with Australia under particular pressure as hosts in the Pool A encounter.
Watch behind the scenes England training through #GoogleGlass as the team play rugby @MCG! #CWC15: http://t.co/lQVFIhjjZF via @YouTube
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) February 12, 2015
It is a burden made more difficult to shake off for England’s Ashes rivals with news they will take the field without regular captain Michael Clarke, and with Morgan leading a full-strength side growing in confidence over the last few months.
“The vibe around the camp is free-spirited and it suits the players,” Morgan said, as the tournament was officially opened today in glittering ceremonies in both Christchurch and Melbourne.
“Hopefully that will allow them to go out and play in the manner which got them selected.”
In terms of opening-night shocks, Morgan added: “If we can produce what I believe is our best cricket on Saturday, we'll be able to beat Australia
“We know the group stages are going to be tough. But our first port of call is to get to the quarter-final.”
While England did end up losing the Tri-Series final to Australia, they have the chance to make amends at the weekend, especially with the likes of Ian Bell firing on all cylinders.
The #CWC15 captains arriving to the ceremony - including our very own Eoin Morgan! #LoveEnglandhttps://t.co/CmXg4oYSp3
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) February 12, 2015
The opener boasts superb scores of 141 and 88 in the recent series - the century came in just 125 balls against Australia, while the unbeaten 88 helped England to a thumping nine-wicket win over defending world champions India.
In addition, Gary Ballance and Joe Root struck 57 and 85 respectively inEngland's last warm-up game, against Pakistan, with pace duo James Anderson and Stuart Broad also among the wickets.
Performances like those will be key for England, who have plenty of experience playing at the MCG, with only Moeen Ali and James Taylor having not played competitive cricket at the ground.
“Since we got here we have put in some great individual performances with the bat,” Morgan said. “Ian Bell has hit a great run of form. He’s class when he gets going.
“I could run through everybody! If we click together as a side we can put a score on the board that’s significant enough to win the game.
“With the ball in the first 40 overs we‘ve been very accurate. We’ve held length well, and we’ve taken wickets early.
“Having Jimmy and Broady back has been brilliant. They’re experienced, Jimmy swinging the ball both ways, and Broady’s aggression is key. They’re very well supported by Chris Woakes and Steve Finn.”