The first Test in Perth is just over a month away, and the skipper is struggling badly with a back injury.

Aussie cricket young gun Joel Davies has come under fire over what he did straight after taking a wicket in Sydney on Sunday.

LAWRENCE BOOTH: England fast bowler Brydon Carse has revealed his plan to stay fit throughout the Ashes: he's cutting a hole in his boot to save the second toe on his left foot from injury.

England captain Ben Stokes is on track to play a full part in the five-match series starting at Perth on November 21 after injuring his shoulder against India at the end of July.

The snooker star was a six-time World Championship finalist in his illustrious career, having become one of the most popular players and going down in history.

Usman Khawaja has urged cricket chiefs to consider moving the iconic Boxing Day and Sydney Tests to allow Australia's top stars to compete in the Big Bash League (BBL).

The first Test against England begins in Perth on November 21, and the Barmy Army will be celebrating the latest news about the Aussie skipper.

LAWRENCE BOOTH: Never mind the fact that Australia has not been kind to Joe Root. He simply can't wait for the Ashes and thinks this will be England's best chance Down Under in years.

The former England all-rounder was seen as a left-field appointment when he took charge of the Headingley-based Hundred franchise, as it marked his first full-time, first-team coaching role.

The possibility that Pat Cummins could miss the Ashes because of a back injury looks as damaging for Australia as it does uplifting for England. Yet it is not quite the boon it may appear

He was later blocked from returning in 2015 by then-England director of cricket Strauss, who cited 'massive trust issues' as the reason.