Ashes 2013: Australia preparing for 'most exciting year of careers'

Australia captain Michael Clarke says his side are looking forward to the challenge of wresting back the Ashes from England this summer.

The Australians go into the series as rank underdogs after a 4-0 series defeat in India and back-to-back Ashes series losses to England.

They haven't won the Ashes in England since 2001, and face the prospect of 10 Tests in away-and-home series against their oldest foes between July and January.

"We have probably the most exciting 12 months of our careers ahead of us," Clarke said. "England are certainly the favourites, but we look forward to that challenge.

"There is not one cricket game where I've walked out onto the field with the Australian team and not expected to win, and this series will be no different."

Australia have been training in Brisbane to prepare for a tour which starts with them trying to defend the Champions Trophy title, starting June 6, and then four tour matches against County teams before the first test at Trent Bridge on July 10.

With an inexperienced batting group struggling to score runs consistently, Australia's best hope of being competitive in England revolves around its strong seam bowling attack.

"There's a lot of talk about our fast bowlers and we have plenty of talent," Clarke said. "But it will come down to the batters making runs, the spin department doing their role and our fast bowlers maximizing conditions.

"Without doubt the Ashes tour is the most special, but it does take a whole squad of 16 players to have success."

Haddin's recall adds some experience following the retirement of former skipper Ricky Ponting and reliable middle-order batsman Michael Hussey.

Haddin hasn't been Australia's first-choice keeper since Matthew Wade took the gloves on the tour to the West Indies last year, but is determined to regain and keep his spot in the team and concentrate on "getting that urn back."

"It is not hard at all to motivate a team coming into an Ashes campaign," he said. "This is the ultimate for us to be involved in. If you're not motivated for this and you're not ready you're never going to be.

"From that point of view we are in a pretty good space as a team. India has gone and it's now all about getting that urn back."