Four years ago the Australian cricket team lost the second Test match in Trinidad in less than three days.

While this was very unfortunate, the defeat presented us with the opportunity to visit a number of the small islands off the mainland of Trinidad. The day was an incredible experience, touring around in a charter boat, swimming in the warm water, eating local cuisine, listening to reggae and soca music and drinking a few cold 'carob' beers.

Considering the defeat that had just been inflicted upon us, the day was possibly the perfect medicine to keep the team positive, relaxed and ready to make amends. As history will tell you, we went on to win the series and take home the Sir Frank Worrell Trophy for the first time in over two decades.

Today, we took advantage of a three-day victory over the President's XI, and spent the day off re-living our island trip of four years ago.

What a day!

Imagine sitting on the porch of our host's holiday home in the Caribbean. With feet up in a rocking chair, book in one hand, cold Coca-Cola in the other, looking out over a trio of green, mountainous islands, blanketed in misty clouds and overlooking a massive stretch of warm Caribbean waters. When you talk of relaxation, this was better than any health farm that you can visit. It was an incredibly relaxing and enjoyable afternoon.

With the first Test match starting on Friday, I believe that once again today's Caribbean adventure will prove to be an important part of our excellent preparation for the big game. In today's environment as an international cricketer, any chance to get away from the game and re-charge the batteries is met with boyhood enthusiasm. Warm clear water, blue skies, happy faces, good music, and a victory under the belt could be as good a preparation for a Test as three days in the practice nets.

The feeling in the team is very upbeat, partly as a result of the closeness of the Australian cricket team and also due to the growing expectation for this Test series. We are pumped up and ready to continue our great Test match form of the last few years.

From Trinidad (feeling very relaxed!), JL