MONTY PANESAR reckons Steve Smith “wasn’t himself” in Perth after their mutual mud-slinging on the eve of the Ashes. Smith taunted Panesar over his calamitous Celebrity

The 25/26 Ashes series is still in its infancy, but already on the first day, the England fans have picked one of their targets and are going after Australia 's stand-in skipper, Steve Smith. No surprise there. Smith led the Baggy Greens out for the first Test in Perth, with usual captain Pat Cummins missing through a back stress injury.

Travis Head played an all-time innings at Perth to hand Australia a 1-0 lead in the Ashes. Chasing 205, Head smashed 123 off 83 to seal victory inside two days on a difficult wicket. Head's effort was his 10th Test century and the fastest in a 4th innings of a Test match.

Ashes hostilities kicked off early this year, with a feud between Steve Smith and former England star Monty Panesar erupting with the Australian captain being labelled a "cheat".

As the Ashes series approaches, cricket fans are abuzz with anticipation, but one thing is clear: England's Barmy Army will struggle to rattle Australian captain Steve Smith. With a history marked by controversy,

The Australian cricket star is looking to lead his side to glory in The Ashes but already has lots to keep him busy away from the pitch