Australia has been the world's most batsman-friendly country but times have changed. And England will have to adapt if they're to win a first Test there for 15 years.

Former Australia fast bowler Rodney Hogg has issued a damning assessment of Joe Root's game, claiming the former England captain will be a 'failure' during the Ashes.

RICHARD GIBSON IN PERTH: Mark Wood has given England a huge Ashes injury scare ahead of the first Test after experiencing left hamstring pain.

You can count on the home team using the foul concoction during the series against England, which begins in Perth on November 21.

The England skipper has responded to the intense scrutiny the Australian media is subjecting his team to as he prepares for an enthralling Ashes series.

High drama struck at the NSW vs Victoria Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday afternoon.

The headlines since England arrived Down Under have not been nice. And yet if the local hacks want a real story, they might look at Australia's fragile fast bowlers.

RICHARD GIBSON IN PERTH: Australia's Ashes plans were thrown into chaos on Wednesday when two of their first Test bowlers were sent for scans.

Australia's cricket stars have added fuel to the Ashes powderkeg by laughing and poking fun at England for one of the biggest scandals in the sport.

Since making his debut 13 months ago, no England bowler has taken more Test wickets than Brydon Carse. Aged 30, he is a late developer, but also a quiet achiever, happily operating under the radar.

Former cricketer and coach David 'Bumble' Lloyd has lifted the lid on an eventful golfing trip with Sir Ian Botham - which he revealed left the England legend with hurt ribs and a cut arm.