Australia vs England – The Ashes LIVE: All the newest updates as the primary Test begins in Perth with the Aussies naming TWO debutants

England great James Anderson lifts the lid on exactly how he’d dismantle Australia’s top six as the Ashes kicks off in Perth.

In a detailed blueprint, Anderson reveals the trap he’d set for Steve Smith, the technical doubts he’d plant in Marnus Labuschagne’s mind and how he’d pile pressure on debutant Jake Weatherald in front of 60,000 fans.

He also explains why Jofra Archer will be ‘licking his lips’ on a bouncy Optus Stadium pitch tailor-made for his pace.

Anderson argues England arrive far more settled than Australia, claiming the home side’s batting order and bowling depth are riddled with early cracks.

The day 1 wicket at Optus Stadium has been revealed and it looks very promising for the fast bowlers, with a distinct green tinge even after the final cut and roll.

Would you bat, or bowl, if you won the toss?

The pre-Ashes banter has begun ahead of day one in Perth.

Aussie skipper Steve Smith (standing in for the injured Pat Cummins) mocked Monty Panesar’s notorious Celebrity Mastermind showing in response to the former spinner urging England to target him over Sandpapergate.

Panesar immediately fired back, claiming England must already be ‘in his head’ if Smith is watching quiz-show clips the night before a Test.

He urged Ben Stokes’ side to ‘go hard at him’, saying the scandal clearly remains a touchy subject for Australia’s stand-in captain.

Panesar also drew a sharp line between their mistakes, joking that he was guilty of bad general knowledge while Smith was guilty of ball tampering.

Australia and England open the Ashes in Perth today with the hosts forced into major changes before the first ball. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are both out, clearing the way for debutant quick Brendan Doggett to join the attack.

Jake Weatherald also makes his first Test appearance, slotting into a reshaped top order after strong Shield form. Cam Green has secured the all-rounder role, with Beau Webster left out following tight selection calls.

England arrive with Mark Wood fit and ready to unleash his pace on a hard, dry Optus Stadium surface. Australia’s patched-up bowling group will be under pressure to hold firm against an England side looking to start fast.

Welcome along to our live coverage of day one of the first Test of The Ashes series in Australia in Perth.