Shaun Marsh said Australia's series drought on English soil is on the minds of Michael Clarke's men, as they prepare for their first match of their UK tour.
The Australians front up to play County side Kent in a four-day match starting Thursday, with Marsh under pressure to hold his spot in the XI due to Chris Rogers' imminent return from concussion.
Marsh said breaking Australia's lack of series success in England - the tourists last emerged victorious away to the old rival in 2001 in a 4-1 result - was high on his and his team-mates' minds.
"It's been 14 years," Marsh told a news conference on Monday.
"The boys are well aware of that. We're very excited about this series.
"We want to win.
"We've put in all the preparation over the last few days, and [will do in] the next two weeks, to make sure we do that."
A drawn series would be enough for Australia to retain the urn, after they routed England 5-0 in 2013-14.
That series saw debate rage on sledging in cricket, an issue that has continued to simmer - and was again highlighted in the Australians' World Cup win in March.
Marsh, however, towed the company line, stating it was business as usual for Australia - who would continue to use any measure in the middle.
"I think it's really important. To get out there and show your aggression, and put your stamp on the game, that's the Australian way," the Western Australian said.
"It's going to be a really good series from both teams. We've seen the English come out and play some really positive cricket over the last couple of months. It's going to be a really good brand of cricket from both teams."
He added: "It's an Ashes series, I'm sure there's going to be sledging from both teams.
"But I'm sure it'll be in the spirit of the game."
On his own spot in the XI, Marsh said runs in the tour matches against Kent and Essex were key for him to consolidate his place.
Marsh averaged over 37 in Australia's two-Test rout of West Indies in the Caribbean, but could be shuffled out of the side as opener Rogers prepares to return.
"It's going to be lots of stiff competition. I think it's important for guys to go out there and get some runs in the warm-up games and push their case forward," he said.
"We've got some really in-form players at the moment playing for Australia, so competition for spots is pretty tight I think."
He added: "Hundreds are always the key I think, runs on the board.
"I know it's pretty important for me, these tour games. Whether it's one or two games, we'll just have to wait and see."