Vaughan has compared Ben Stokes' side's preparations unfavourably to how other England national teams and golf legend Tiger Woods would prepare for major events.

LAWRENCE BOOTH IN BRISBANE: Ben Stokes has insisted that Australian press intrusion will not affect his players' enjoyment of the Ashes tour.

Robin Smith's family paid tribute to the charismatic former England batsman after his shock death at the age of just 62 was announced today.

A tearful Kevan James, who played for Hampshire with Smith in the late 1980s and early 90s, made the 'horrible' announcement on Solent News this morning.

LAWRENCE BOOTH IN BRISBANE: If England could hand-pick the hardest possible assignment to avert an Ashes meltdown and save the Bazball project, this might be it.

LAWRENCE BOOTH: Robin Smith, who has died suddenly at the age of 62, had a sensitive smile and a vicious square cut, and somehow both captured this complex and much-loved man.

Queensland's Minister for Sport Tim Mander has blasted 'Pommy cricketers' Ben Stokes, Mark Wood and Jamie Smith for riding around Brisbane on Lime Scooters without helmets.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY LAWRENCE BOOTH: Robin Smith has had plenty to be grateful for, and much to test him. By his own admission, he is lucky still to be here.

England great Monty Panesar has revealed that the Barmy Army are set to unveil a new song about Darren Lehmann at The Gabba during this week's second Ashes Test.

LAWRENCE BOOTH IN BRISBANE: : England have gambled with their selection for Thursday's second Ashes Test in Brisbane after deciding against a repeat of the five-man pace attack.

Selectors made the bombshell call with less than two days to go before the start of the second match of the series in Brisbane.