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.

All-time great Botham didn't hold back when he was asked about the team's build-up to the first Test on November 21. Stokes did the same as he replied in Perth on Wednesday.

The world's biggest podcaster was out of his depth as Crowe waxed lyrical about one of his biggest sporting passions.

One of the greatest cricketers England has ever produced has lashed out at the tourists ahead of the first Test in Perth on November 21.

Ashes away wins are like hen's teeth. And as of next summer, neither country will be indulging in the practice of using the other one's ball in a bid to change that trend.