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Stephen Fleming, the new Test cricket coach, admitted that he understands the "obsession" with the Ashes, as he highlights his main aim in the new role.
Fleming was speaking to the media for the first time since being appointed in July ad shared that the main goal is to "beat the Aussies".
The next Ashes series is in the UK next summer, when England face the Australians for the first time since 2015.
Stephen Fleming calls New Zealand Australia's 'little cousin'
Former New Zealand team captain said, "We want to beat the Aussies. We're heavily linked to England performances. We have a deep desire to beat Australia in everything, as the little cousin. We are linked, and I'm incredibly excited about being part of it."
"I want to be my best self and have a team that represents itself in the best possible way. I've got a vision of that and it's aspirational. It will be brilliant," he noted.
Stephen Fleming takes over the role from Brendon McCullum
Fleming succeeds his former team-mate Brendon McCullum, who was sacked as Test coach earlier this summer, but remains as boss of the white-ball team.
England won only two of McCullum's final 10 Tests in charge, including the hammering in Australia.
Fleming, who is a great friend of McCullum, described the difference between the two, noting, "I'll bet on the favourite and he'll bet on the longest odds possible."
Stephen Fleming respects Ben Stokes' decision
In a shocking move, Ben Stokes, who played with Fleming at the IPL, announced his retirement from international cricket in July.
The 35-year-old has continued playing for his county side Durham and has also signed up with the Adelaide Strikers in Australia's Big Bash League.
While discussing a possible U-turn on the retirement decision for the Ashes, Fleming said he had too much "respect" for Stokes' decision to attempt to coax him.
"He was in a great space, really happy, enjoying his time with Durham," said Fleming.
"He's got a good winter planned with the family and is very much at peace with his decision. When a player makes that decision to retire, I respect that decision 100%.
"To try to turn that around and question that is wrong. I know how much goes into that type of decision, and I respect that."
