And England's gloomy body language at the MCG nets would suggest they're almost resigned to being like lambs to the slaughter, as they have been all of this summer and the last.
Stuart Broad seemed preoccupied with finding out the meaning behind a cheeky advertising campaign hanging from an overhead helicopter claiming England have "lost their balls".
But even though his concentration should have perhaps been on game one of a tournament they've never won, at least he was talking - none of his teammates were saying a word as they went through the motions.
In contrast, heavy favourites Australia were bouncing off the walls, with skipper Bailey smiling ear to ear that it's England and not he who has to face his electric pace bowling cartel at the MCG cauldron.
"It's horrible at training ... but it's amazing come game time," said Bailey.
"People talk about dead periods or periods when the game floats along, but when you've got that sort of arsenal at your disposal you can be continually pushing the game and controlling the game - and that's pretty special."
England lost all three matches they played against Australia in the recent ODI tri-series, and were sitting ducks for the final in Perth - with Johnson clearly in the head of Morgan and the rest of the top order.
The ICC have the two teams sharing the same lodgings in Melbourne, but Australia are yet to sight their English counterparts around the breakfast table.
Bailey says Australia won't be taking their opposition lightly. "I guess we are taking it as a danger game," he said.
"I imagine they would have expectations on them. There's a lot of very good and very proud cricketers in that side."
Veteran danger man Anderson made his debut at the MCG way back in 2002, and can succinctly sum up the difference between then and now.
"I guess the abuse at the time was a bit of a shock and tomorrow it won't be a shock," he said.
Fiery Australian star Warner is supposedly on his final warning for on-field behaviour, and is facing a suspension next time he crosses the line, according to strict new guidelines.
Asked whether England would consider trying to poke the bear, Anderson said they wouldn't waste their time.
"Having played against him in the past I'm not sure he needs too much encouragement," he said of Warner.
"But we're going to go out there and concentrate on what we do.
"Our main job is to try and get him out, not to rile him up so we'll concentrate on that."
Morgan clumsily accused Johnson of not even swinging the ball in the tri-series final when he at one stage had them reeling at 3-11.
But Anderson says the batsmen have now taken their medicine.
"We've learned a lot from Perth, the guys have been working hard in the nets, and we realise we've just got to play well no matter what he sends down."
Australia v England
MCG, 4.30pm today
Australia (likely):
David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Steve Smith, George Bailey (capt), Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood.
England (likely): Moeen Ali, Ian Bell, James Taylor, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (capt), Ravi Bopara, Jos Buttler, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Steve Finn
