BREAKING GOSSIP (0738) With less than a week until the start of the Ashes, punters are showing more and more faith in England to retain the urn.
Full story: The Racing Post (0735) Australia's faltering Ashes preparations have received a boost following strong performances by key players Mitchell Johnson, Shane Watson and Mike Hussey.
Full story: The Sydney Morning Herald OTHER GOSSIP The pitch at the Waca - where the third Ashes Test will be held from 16-20 December - has developed a major crack, indicating it could be on the verge of again becoming one of the most ferocious wickets in the world.
Full story: The Guardian Former Australia captain Steve Waugh says it is "50/50" who will win the Ashes. He believes the "first session of the first day can dictate the whole series". (The Times - subscription required) England legend Sir Ian Botham believes Andrew Strauss's team "should win the Ashes at a canter". Botham says the reason is that he feels England are a decent team, while the Aussies are currently only an average one.
Full story: Daily Mirror Australia opener Simon Katich has hinted that his New South Wales team-mate and paceman Trent Copeland should be called up for the Ashes. The 24-year-old only made his first class debut in January and would be a shock selection.
Full story: Sydney Morning Herald Former Aussie batsman Darren Lehmann has labelled Usman Khawaja a "superstar" and says picking the Pakistan-born batsman for the first Test would be the right selection.
Full story: Sydney Morning Herald Ex-England captain Mike Gatting says he is tired of Australians whingeing about losing their "golden generation" of Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist and Glenn McGrath. He adds: "England have also lost some really good players since 2005 such as Andrew Flintoff, Michael Vaughan, Steve Harmison and Marcus Trescothick. You don't hear England talk about that. England are just getting on with business."
Full story: Herald Sun
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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