Stewart returns to Lilac Hill, where he spent eight years playing grade cricket, to lead England out against an ACB Chairman's XI featuring former Test players Dennis Lillee, Graeme Wood and Bruce Reid.

``It is a festival atmosphere, and I appreciate that,'' said Stewart. ``But it is a game we want to win.''

A gentle introduction it may be - by Australia's high standards but England are also keen to utilise as many members of their 17-man party as possible, either today or in the four-day game against Western Australia at the WACA, starting this weekend.

Memories still linger of last winter's tour to the Caribbean, where injuries in the opening few weeks forced England to select players who had not had a game prior to the opening Test - and that is clearly a situation Stewart is anxious to avoid.

``We are trying to let everybody have a game in the next two matches,'' he said. ``Whoever the Test side are going to be, I want them to be a well-prepared Test side.''

The whole touring party were put through their first closed coaching clinic on wrist spin by former Australian Test leg-spinner Peter Philpott yesterday, and after an enthusiastic response plans have already been made for further sessions.