This summer, Australia will host England for the 74th instalment of the Ashes.
Despite the pomp and circumstance that always surrounds cricket's most storied rivalry, this series arrives with a sharper edge,
The rise of franchise cricket has challenged Test match relevance, and as Kerry O'Keeffe puts it, "Test cricket needs a boost again."
After a pulsating summer against India and a riveting England-India series during Australia's winter, the Ashes must continue raising the bar for the format.
And it might just deliver.
"It’s going to be an amazing summer," said Fox Cricket expert Adam Gilchrist at Kayo Sports’ Summer of Cricket Launch.
"I think you can go man-for-man down the list and match up really important duels."
With both squads stacked with match-winners, the series could hinge on a handful of decisive battles.
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Mitch Starc versus England's top order
England's presumed top three - Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley and Jacob Bethell - will be under intense scrutiny this series.
"Their one, two and three are vulnerable," O'Keeffe told Sporting News at Kayo Sports’ Summer of Cricket Launch.
"Both Duckett and Crawley have grievances against left-arm pace - it's their kryptonite. And we've got Mitchell Starc."
Starc's ability to swing the ball while consistently bowling over 140 kilometres per hour, especially early in the innings, makes him a nightmare to face.
O'Keeffe sees the Australian's using him early and often against England's unsettled top order.
"Starc's got the balls for them," he said.
"Those are the three big matchups."
If Starc can crack England's top three regularly, it will go a long way to securing Australia the series.
Harry Brook versus Travis Head: Battle of the counter-attackers
Perhaps the most tantalising duel is between the two middle-order disruptors: Harry Brook and Travis Head.
Brook, described by O'Keeffe as "a right-handed Travis Head," is England's most dangerous counter-attacker.
"He's got the most powerful offside game in cricket," O'Keeffe said.
"Australian conditions are flat and if we bowl off stump and outside the line, that’ll suit Harry Brook.
"He’s very dangerous. He can take the game away from Australia in one, maybe two Tests."
Head, meanwhile, is Australia's own brand of chaos agent.
"He’s a big innings player and he changes games," O'Keeffe said.
“He has an uncomplicated method."
If either man gets going, they could swing an entire Test match in a single session.
"Harry Brook versus Travis Head is a big matchup," O'Keeffe said.
"Who can take two Tests away from their opponents."
Which fast bowling unit is more dangerous?
Gilchrist is of the belief that the series could be defined by the pace attacks - if they stay fit.
"The battle of the fast bowling units provided fitness," he said when asked which matchup he's looking most forward to.
Australia's trio of Starc, Josh Hazelwood and Pat Cummins is already under duress because of Cummins' lingering back issues.
Scott Boland will come in as a "like-for-like" replacement in Perth, but it would be fair to say that Cummins' influence will sway the series upon his return.
England have taken seven seamers on tour: Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Ben Stokes and Matthew Potts.
O'Keeffe expects the surfaces to be "quirky again," referencing last year's bowler-friendly decks against India.
If curators lean toward variety - spongy bounce in Perth, reverse swing in Adelaide, spin in Sydney - the adaptability of each side's attack will be tested.