Thursday 21 December 2017 14:42, UK
England batsman Dawid Malan says the spirit within the camp is "fantastic", despite trailing Australia 3-0 in the Ashes.
The Middlesex man says the remaining two Tests in Australia should be seen as great opportunities by England's players.
An innings defeat in the third Test in Perth put England 3-0 down in the series with two to play and ensured Australia regained the Ashes.
However, Malan has enjoyed a fine tour so far, memorably compiling a debut Test century in Perth and adding 54 in the second innings, and the 30-year-old says the poor results so far have not led to discord among the touring party.
"The team spirit has been fantastic," said Malan. "It has been one of the best I have been involved in, even though we have not won.
"The ECB have sorted out something for Christmas, so that will be pretty nice, to spend time with our families and all together.
"I still think we will have a good time and enjoy each others' company,"
Despite the one-sided scoreline, a huge crowd will pack into Melbourne on Boxing Day for the start of the fourth Test, and Malan says the prospect of playing in front of such an audience is an enticing prospect.
"[England coach] Trevor [Bayliss] said we have got 90,000 people to play in front of and we need to stand up and show how good we are," added Malan.
"That sort of hit home. That is exciting.
"From my point of view, it is extremely disappointing to come on your first Ashes trip and not win, and to be 3-0 down with two to go.
"But I still have a hell of a lot to play for and for me to be able to contribute more towards the team would be ideal.
"There are opportunities for myself and other guys in the team, to put our hands up and show we are good cricketers, and we can compete out here and can win games of cricket."
