1506 GMT: Former England pace bowler Simon Jones, one of their 2005 Ashes heroes, has warned his successors not to get drawn into a war of words with Australia this winter. "We have a young, confident side and they will have to think on their feet very quickly if they are to deal with the crowd and the sledging," says the Hampshire seamer - who thinks England have their best chance to win down under "in a long time". (Press Association)

1300 GMT: Aussie paceman Doug Bollinger has specifically targeted two of England's top four batsmen, declaring: "I'd like to have Andrew Strauss and Kevin Pietersen in my pocket". He is also pleased at the prospect of a "fast and bouncy" pitch in the first Test at Brisbane.
Full story: Daily Mirror

1115 GMT: Australia have suffered another blow ahead of the Ashes after losing their first one-day international against Sri Lanka from a position of strength. Chasing 240 to win, Sri Lanka were 107-8 before Angelo Mathews and Lasith Malinga set a new one-day international record, adding 132 for the ninth wicket as the tourists sneaked home. Debutant spinner Xavier Doherty took 4-46 for Australia, while Mike Hussey (71 not out) ended a lean spell with the bat.
Full report: BBC Sport

0945 GMT: Former England pace bowler and Ashes winner Graham Dilley is confident the current seam attack will prosper as long as they get used to the balls used down under. He said: "The Kookaburra might take a bit of getting used to - the way it feels in your hand. There is less seam movement, sometimes it's non-existent."
Full story: ecb.co.uk

Australia will regain the Ashes with a 5-0 whitewash, according to fast-bowling great Glenn McGrath, who always tips an Aussie clean sweep. He said: "I couldn't have more faith in the boys. The matches will be close but I'm tipping a 5-0 whitewash."
Full story: the Herald Sun (Melbourne)

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew has been watching England build up to the Ashes series. On social networking site Twitter, he said: "England are practising at Richardson Park, South Perth. Only centre wicket practice but Kevin Pietersen was caught at slip for two. He looked better in final knock. In good spirits too."
Full story: Jonathan Agnew's Twitter feed

Matt Prior and Kevin Pietersen get involved in a hot practice session

Press Association photographer Gareth Copley has also been giving his views on the same site. "Very, very long nets session today in 38 degrees, wouldn't swap it for the world," he stated.
Full story: Gareth Copley's Twitter feed

England all-rounder Stuart Broad also got in on the act. He added: "Six hours in the beautiful Perth sun is enough for a 'Pom,' it's Xbox time, ready to take Trotty down at Fifa."
Full story: Stuart Broad's Twitter feed

England batsman Ian Bell, who averages 25.68 in 13 Ashes Tests against a career average of 42.92, thinks he can hit the ground running in the warm-up matches. He said: "Over the last 18 months my cricket has got better and better and this, for me, is coming at the right time of my career."
Full story: Sydney Morning Herald

England will be fired up to start the Ashes tour with a warm-up victory over Western Australia. The tourists start a three-day game in Perth on Friday and wicketkeeper Matt Prior commented: "We will treat that match very seriously. Winning is a habit and the quicker you can get into the habit the better."
Full story: ESPNcricinfo

Western Australian coach Mickey Arthur believes under-fire batsman Mike Hussey needs to be in the Australian team to face England in the first Ashes Test in Brisbane. Hussey, 35, has hit only two centuries in the past 18 months for Australia but Arthur believes his "wealth of experience" is vital.
Full story: Sportal

Listen to the Ashes live on Test Match Special on BBC 5 live sports extra, Radio 4 LW and online (UK users only) - series starts 25 November 2010.Archive: Relive past Ashes series

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