1400 GMT: Pressure is mounting on Mike Hussey and Marcus North after both failed for Western Australia. Playing a Sheffield Shield match against South Australia in Adelaide, Hussey was out for a first-ball duck and North made just 10.
Full story: The Australian

1315 GMT: Graeme Swann on Twitter: "I feel disgracefully tired but am determined to stay up for the Toon game. Perhaps a red bull/curly wurly energy fix is in order".
Graeme Swann's Twitter feed

0927 GMT: The England players are relaxing on the golf course - but even that is competitive as bowler Tim Bresnan explains: "You will be pleased to know unlike Man City my form away from home is outstanding. Just took @stuartbroad8 cash on the golf course".
Tim Bresnan's Twitter feed

Kevin Pietersen is believed to be furious with England coach Andy Flower for not allowing the players wives and girlfriends to join up with them until six weeks into the Ashes tour.
Full story: The Observer

Australia coach Tim Nielsen says batsman Callum Ferguson has a "big chance" of playing in the first Test.
Full story: Press Association

Alastair Cook, the England vice-captain who has a modest record against Australia, has said the experience gained since his first visit down under will help him do better during the 2010-11 Ashes. (Full story: AFP)

Cook's England team-mate Jonathan Trott believes the confidence England have gained in the last year and a half will be crucial in their bid to retain the Ashes.
Full story: ecb.co.uk

One for the stattos - Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood have the best England record when playing Australia in Australia.
Full story: Sydney Morning Herald

Tim Nielsen has sought advice from an unlikely source - former South Africa coach Mickey Arthur, who masterminded victory over the Aussies in 2008. Arthur has given Nielsen a five-point plan on how he exposed weaknesses in the Australian team.
Full story: Fox Sports

As the England squad begin to acclimatise to the conditions down under, one of their own is already proving adept to the conditions - pace bowler Darren Pattinson, who played one Test for England in 2008.
Full story: Sydney Morning Herald

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

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