England captain Alastair Cook has admitted that he benefited greatly as a cricketer from his performances during the 2010-2011 Ashes in Australia.

He went into that series with an average of just over 25 against the Aussies, but he ended up scoring 766 runs overall at an average of 127.66.

Reflecting on that achievement, Cook has conceded that it was a defining moment in his career.

"I think you are remembered for your Ashes performances," he said. "What happened in 2010-11 did change me as a cricketer, gave me a lot of confidence that I could perform at the highest level against a very good side under huge pressure.

"That's where you want to test yourself, and I probably hadn't achieved that in my career up to that point.

"I think it can change lives and careers. Luckily I've managed to kick on from that moment, and I see no reason why that can't continue."

England go into the series looking to record a hat-trick of Ashes victories for the first time in 60 years.