Cowan ready to fight for the Ashes

Cowan's defensive abilities against the new ball look set to outweigh his recent scoring limitations and be enough to earn him selection for the first Test starting on Wednesday.

The demoted opener hasn't done himself any favours of late by failing to go on and make a hundred in Australia's two tour matches, or at any stage since his maiden Test ton against South Africa last year.

However, his experience as a solid and patient opener stand him in good stead at a venue which has traditionally favoured swing bowlers and been a graveyard for some great batsmen.

Cowan's county cricket form at Nottingham heading into the Ashes series wasn't spectacular, but the fact he's well versed with Trent Bridge's conditions works in his favour.

Captain Michael Clarke says there's something to be said for knowing that Cowan is uncomplicated as a player.

"With Ed, you know what you're going to get," Clarke said.

"I think he's batting well. One of Ed's greatest strengths is his defence. He can bat long periods.

"I'm sure he would have liked to score a big hundred in one of those practice games ... (but) in defence, he has looked as good as anyone.

"That's why he's here. He's been successful in first-class cricket for a while now - he did well against South Africa scoring his first Test hundred at the Gabba. I thought he adapted to spin bowling very well in India."

In Australia's second Ashes tour game against Worcestershire last week, Cowan showed his potential weakness as a first drop, when he came in with Australia flying at 1-170 but was unable to maintain the momentum - scratching his unconvincing 58 out from 114 balls.

But it goes without saying that Australia would take 1-170 any time this series, even if it means the brakes are jammed on after that.

If Australia lose an early wicket, they'll be relying on Cowan to drop anchor and get through a tough period.

Australia's top order have struggled with the moving ball in recent years against the fast bowling attacks of South Africa and New Zealand and, before that, England.

Clarke says batsmen need to time their innings well in English conditions.

"It's more accepting that there's going to be times throughout your innings when it's going to be tougher than others," he said.

"When it's tough, sometimes you're going to have to pull the reins back and, when it's good batting conditions and the sun is out and the ball is not doing too much, it's about cashing in and putting the foot down."