Ashes mind games: World Cup 2019 semifinal scoreboard greets Australia at Edgbaston

The Edgbaston ground staff sought to put the pressure of the World Cup semifinal exit on Australia by displaying the scoreboard from the last-four fixture between the two arch-rivals, during Australia's training session on Monday.

Australia had failed to defend a modest 223 after opting to bat as England romped home with 107 balls to spare.

The mind games have begun in earnest. Ahead of the first Ashes Test between England and Australia in Birmingham, the World Cup 2019 semifinal scoreboard greeted Australia during its training session on Monday.

Australia had failed to defend a modest 223 after opting to bat as England romped home with 107 balls to spare. Australia has had a tough outing in the last 12 months, especially after former skipper Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner were banned for one year each for their role in the infamous ball tampering scandal in South Africa.

Former Australia skipper Steve Waugh has said the Ashes is too close to call as the visitor seeks its first away win in the series for 18 years.

The first Test of the five-match series starts on Thursday.