Hindustan Times caught up with Monty Panesar, who spoke about England's chances and why they should look to get under the skin of Steve Smith.

Ben Stokes has declared this summer's Ashes as the biggest series of his tenure as England captain but hopes it won't define his legacy. Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum have been credited with turning around the fortunes of the England men's side since they took charge in 2022 with their free-wheeling, free-spirited 'Bazball' approach.

England haven't been able to win the Ashes after 2015. The last time England had visited Australia in 2021, they had lost The Ashes 4-0

There had been plenty of talk that England might opt for an all-pace attack for the first Test, especially with expectations of a green seaming pitch. But the inclusion of Shoaib Bashir in the 12 suggests that the final call on whether a spinner plays will be made on the morning of the match.

England have gone all in on pace as they look to win the Ashes away for the first time since 2010/11; Jofra Archer and Mark Wood among speedy options but will they - and captain Ben Stokes - last the series,

Australian media targeted England captain Ben Stokes, mocking his golf break before the Ashes, branding him “cocky” and warning of Perth’s “green monster” pitch as England’s looming nightmare.

Stokes, in his first game since July because of a shoulder injury, added to the two he claimed in the morning session for figures of 4-45 in the Lions' 208-5. Just as in the morning, both of Stokes' afternoon wickets fell to pull shots.