Jonathan: There’s tremendous interest in this Ashes. Sydney is buzzing in anticipation, and I just hope the series is still alive when we return in the New Year. There’s the usual cranking up of publicity in the newspapers , and I was interested - but not entirely surprised - by Ben Stokes’ response to the entirely justified conversation about England’s preparation. His expression “balls-to-the-wall” is new to me and doesn’t sound much fun. But through their watering eyes, Stokes’ players were being reminded that nothing less than 100% will do.

And it won’t. This is the chance of a lifetime for many and for Stokes, the final Ashes in Australia. 

Frankly, the preparation is up to them. Only they will know at the end of the series if they gave themselves the best possible chance of realising their dream. The days of three or four first class matches are gone, but I have always maintained that the ICC should decree that a Test series of any length should always be preceded by a four day match against the host’s A team. Everyone benefits, and so does Test cricket, with the players better prepared.

Josh Hazelwood out of the first Test! No Cummins, no Hazelwood! What an opportunity for Stokes’ team.