AS the dawning of one of the greatest spectacles in sport looms closer, it is not just the fans who are preparing for the event.
Behind the scenes at Trent Bridge, the preparations have been put into action, with hundreds of people, from board members to burger sellers having a role to play.
Paul Harrison from West Bridgford has been involved in the ground in a number of roles now and said the atmosphere is "buzzing".
He added: "I started off in the club shop and have worked in the winter nets and on reception and security."
And Paul has formed a close relationship with the players too.
He said: "I've also worked in the dressing room. At Notts we have two dressing room attendants and they look after the players' needs – it's basically making sure they've got refreshments and clean towels.
"You get the odd autograph and I went on a pre-season tour to Barbados a couple of years ago. We get on really well. If you are into cricket like me, being near the players is where to be."
For Paul, there is something truly special about Trent Bridge.
He said: "I grew up around here. When I was made redundant from my previous job I wanted to work here so I kept pestering them.
"It's a special place to be with a nice atmosphere and for big occasions like this it's great."
Preparations for the influx of visitors are in full swing and Paul will be on the front line.
He said: "I'll be in the shop during the Ashes – it's going to be busy. We've been putting up marquees for the outside shops and I'll be re-stocking as fast as we can sell it.
"It's organised chaos – everything is coming together around the ground. All the catering units and the bars have been coming for the last week or so and in the shop we've got a lot more lines than we would usually have. I've been making sure everything is right over the last week."
Even though Paul is working, he can't wait for the first ball to be bowled.
He said: "It's amazing and it's always good having a Test Match here, but having the first Ashes Test is something really special.
"We've got the world's media focused on us – it's a buzz around the ground. We've been elated since we won the package, but now it's happening it's absolutely unbelievable."