It has seemed like ages but, as I write this article from the United Kingdom, the Australian team is only a couple of days away from what is probably the most important cricket series it has played for some years.The series is important for many reasons, both in terms of the team and for me personally.You've probably heard by now that unfortunately I won't be at the battlefront for the first game due to a rib injury I sustained in the last warm-up game. Nevertheless, I'm still definitely planning to play a part both on and off the field over the next couple of months.It's a crucial series for the team, and I think this will be reflected when we walk through the gates of Sophia Gardens on the first morning.The Australian team has changed quite a bit since we were last in England.In years gone by we would arrive in a rival country with a team that really picked itself. But this is a new era for the Aussies, the team is still settling down and many of the players are fighting tooth and nail for a spot in the Test team and, essentially, a career as an international cricketer.I don't think I've ever seen more fiercely competitive net sessions. In recent weeks some of our batters must have been waking up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat just thinking about the next day's net session!All the bowlers have been charging in off their full run-up, relentlessly hitting the decks hard and putting our batters under intense pressure.All pretty stirring stuff, and I don't think there will be any question marks over our preparation when the match starts today.There's also the small issue of who actually will be walking through the gate, and at this stage of proceedings there are still some spots in the team to be decided.As I've already said, I won't be there, but I'm not over-emphasising the significance of this match in terms of my overall career.I won't get a chance this week, but I will keep working harder than ever to be ready to play should a spot become available over the next few Tests.However, I'm incredibly fit at the moment, which will help with my recovery and also ensure I will be raring to go if required at any stage. I'm also keen to silence a few of those critics who have maybe doubted that I would return after my latest injury but, most of all, I will be playing for my team-mates, my family and my own personal pride.It's going to be a great series. I remember when I was a kid I used to love the fact that an Ashes series meant I could watch my cricketing heroes, even though it was footy season.I used to run home from school, finish my homework early, have dinner then plant myself in front of the TV with my brothers Shane and Grant, waiting for the day's first ball to be bowled. I suspect we probably all fell asleep by the first drinks break!I look forward to staying in touch with you over the next couple of months. Let's hope it's a happy time for all of us.Brett Lee's column courtesy of Skins Sport Compression Wear.