Any nerves that Kyle Edmund might have on his Slam debut disappear quickly. He needs little over a minute to hold his serve against the American.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

As well as following Watson and Edmund's progress through these words, you can also listen to BBC Radio 5 live sport extra's live audio commentary. What do you mean you've haven't got a radio? You don't need one! Click on the 'Live coverage' tab on this very page and there it is.

Image source, Getty Images

While Watson begins on Court 10 in a few moments, Kyle Edmund plays his first main draw match at Melbourne Park on Court 22. That outside court is halfway to the airport, according to BBC expert David Lloyd.

Let's hope Edmund does not have to continue the journey towards the terminal in an a few hours time.

The 20-year-old Yorkshireman faces American Steve Johnson, who is ranked 38 in the world - 154 places ahead of Edmund.

First up is British number one Heather Watson, who is in buoyant mood after winning her second WTA title in Hobart last week.

Standing in her way is Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova. A former Wimbledon semi-finalist, Pironkova is ranked 29 places below world number 38 Watson.

You won't be surprised to discover that the sun is blazing out at Melbourne, with a couple of older, female spectators slapping on the suntan lotion. Wise move.

Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"It's another cool and blustery morning in Melbourne, with the temperature expected to shift up a gear this afternoon and hit 26C. Good news for Britain's trio maybe, as they get under way early in the schedule.

"Kyle Edmund is on court 22 which, as you might have guessed, is in the outer reaches and within touching distance of the perimeter fence. Heather Watson is more centrally located on Court 10, right in the heart of Melbourne Park."

Melbourne is home to about 150,000 British emigrants who were presumably tempted by its unofficial tag of 'the world's most liveable city', seeking culture, greenery and interchangeable weather.

And the expat community's numbers have been boosted by four more Britons, who are planning to stay as long as possible.

For the first time since 2002 there are three Britons in the men's singles and the trio of Andy Murray, Kyle Edmund and James Ward are joined by the sole representative in the women's draw - Heather Watson.

Murray had a straightforward passage into round two on the opening day of the Australian Open. Now it is time to find out if Watson, Edmund and Ward can join him.

Image source, EPA

The British are descending on Australia. No, there isn't a 21st-Century re-enactment of the First Fleet. Nor is a Royal entourage visiting one of the largest countries in the Commonwealth. Although the Queen, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall have been spotted at the Australian Open. Sort of.

Of course, the latest crop of Britons to set sail for Land of Oz are there in the name of tennis.