Australia’s biggest energy supplier, Origin Energy, will emblazon the shirts of the Test team this Ashes summer as part of a three-year, multimillion-dollar deal, two years after the end of Cricket Australia’s sponsorship by Alinta.

Australia have named their squad for the opening Ashes Test against England as they look to extend their grip on the urn into a second decade. Captain and pace bowler Pat Cummins will miss the first Test as he recovers from a back injury, with Scott Boland set to take his place in the team.

Skipper Ben Stokes has defended England's lack of warm-up matches ahead of the first Ashes cricket test against Australia in Perth beginning next week.

Former England captain Andrew Strauss warns skipper Ben Stokes about Australia's plan to get under his skin in the Ashes. Strauss praised Stokes' leadership but noted his emotional vulnerabilities could be a target for the Aussies.

James Anderson believes England head into the Ashes as underdogs despite agreeing with former new-ball partner Stuart Broad that Australia are at their “weakest” for the last 15 years. Broad, now making a career as a television pundit, reckons the current Australia side is their worst since the 2010/11 series which England won 3-1.

Joe Root has received a tabloid reception ahead of the Ashes series opener in Perth, where a local newspaper called him “Average Joe.”

However, a member of Australia's Test squad could be added once the XI to face England is named which would open the door for the likes of Josh Inglis or Brendan Doggett to get some game time and still be close enough to the Test if a concussion sub was required.

While ever more hostage to Twenty20's global carve-up, cricket will take a breath from next week to indulge its most time-honoured rivalry as Australia and England battle in the Ashes. For more than 1