Thursday 3 September 2015 13:57, UK
England captain Eoin Morgan hopes his team can take the next step in their development during the Royal London one-day series against world champions Australia.
The opening game of the five-match series will be played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Thursday with England looking to build on their one-day series victory over World Cup runners-up New Zealand earlier this year.
Morgan said: "It's a great opportunity to see our younger guys get tested again against one of the best sides in the world.
"We're at a completely different phase in our development with our team and our squad compared to Australia so it's certainly going to be a good test."
Morgan took over the captaincy before the World Cup, which ended in humiliation as England were dumped out in the group stage.
But a new-look team was picked for the series with New Zealand and they responded with a 3-2 victory.
Morgan, who also led the side for Monday's T20 win over Australia, added: "I think the performances from the team are getting better with each game and my development as a captain is coming along.
"I'm learning along the way and my thoughts and ideas are being implemented."
Morgan, who will be without the rested Joe Root, declined to settle one matter which will instead be confirmed only at the toss - the identity of England's opening partnership.
The options are to stick with Jason Roy alongside Alex Hales or replace him with Moeen Ali, who missed the New Zealand series.
Australia's new one-day skipper Steve Smith is ready for England's attacking brand of cricket.
He said: "The way they played against New Zealand was really good, they took the game on. Moeen Ali recently said they're trying to play quite similarly to the way we play.
"We know how they're going to play. They're going to come quite hard so we're going to get opportunities if we get the ball in the right areas.
"We've just got to make sure we take those opportunities."
Watch England v Australia in the first ODI live on Sky Sports 2 from 1.30pm on Thursday.
