CARDIFF: Unable to combat Mitchell Johnson in that stunning summer 18 months ago, the Old Enemy have sent in one of their big hitters.
The Prince of Wales on Monday turned up to the Australian team's first training session at Swalec Stadium, the venue for Wednesday's first Ashes Test, arriving by helicopter at the inner-city ground.
While Johnson was the last person the English wanted to hear about following his role as chief destroyer in the 5-0 drubbing in the last Ashes series, Prince Charles took great interest in the rapid left-arm fast bowler as he greeted the touring squad on the ground.
"It was great for him to come out and meet our guys and pass on a few words. He asked a lot about Mitch Johnson and how fast he is," spin bowler Nathan Lyon said.
And while they say the Australian cricket captaincy is the second most important office in the country, in this part of the world at least it is no match for royalty. In chilly conditions Michael Clarke had to conduct a media opportunity outside in the grandstand seating rather than inside as security was tightened until the royal chopper took off again.
While Prince Charles had no problem making his way in and out of Cardiff for the meet and greet the scenario is not so simple for thousands of Australian fans planning to travel to the Welsh capital for the first Test.
A 48-hour rail strike threatens to significantly reduce the number of trains running from London Paddington station to Cardiff from Wednesday night.
The train operators First Great Western will run only one train an hour rather than the usual two if the strike proceeds, and a spokesman for the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers told Wales Online that talks between the union and the company had broken down.
"If the strike goes ahead services will be significantly affected," FGW spokesman James Davis told the website.
The first four days of the first Test in Cardiff are sold out.
