Australian captain Michael Clarke says success at the Champions Trophy one-day tournament would be a big boost for his side going into the Ashes.
Clarke and several players left from different cities on Sunday bound for the United Kingdom to start an arduous campaign.
While much of the attention has centred on the five-Test series starting in July and Australia's quest to regain the Ashes, Clarke is prioritising the Champions Trophy tournament being held in England and Wales through the first three weeks of June.
"At this stage I haven't thought about the batting order for the Ashes, I haven't thought about their first XI for the Ashes," Clarke said at Sydney Airport.
"My focus is wholly and solely on this Champions Trophy tournament.
"Obviously the build-up and the talk is going to be about the Ashes, but for us as a team we're very focused on the Champions Trophy.
"I think the extra motivation if we can have success in this one-day tournament, and drag that confidence and momentum into the first Test, I think that will be very handy.
"We've got a really good squad and some good options to win the Champions Trophy and I'm confident if we can play our best we can have some success in this tournament."
Clarke said he had no idea about where he would bat in the Test team, but would come in at number four in the one-day side.
Ranked number three in one-day cricket, Australia has won the two most recent Champions Trophy tournaments and the team is determined to win this one.
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