The first Test arrives with an unmistakable sense of English optimism, fuelled by the injury status of both teams' fast bowlers. For once, the absentees are Australian: Pat Cummins (back) and Josh Hazlewood (hamstring) are unavailable, while Jofra Archer and Mark Wood will play in the same team for only the second time in Tests.

But during the second half of his illustrious career, Warne flew past the former greats, ticking off Dennis Lillee’s 355, Ian Botham’s 373, Richard Hadlee’s 431, Kapil Dev’s 434, and then Walsh’s 519. And after becoming the first cricketer to take 600 Test wickets during the 2005 Ashes, fans inevitably questioned how far he could go.

US cricket fans are going to want Willow TV to watch The Ashes. The best way to access Willow TV is via Sling TV's Desi Binge Plus or Dakshin Flex plans, which both include the channel. Prices start from only $10/month making it a brilliant way to watch live cricket.

Check the live score and updates from Day 1 the first Test between Australia and England being played at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

But the seamer stranglehold of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood allowed only brief interludes for just three quicks to make their Test debuts in the intervening seven years. Meanwhile, Doggett turned from a hopeful 24-year-old Queenslander to a grizzled 31-year-old South Australian.

Steve Smith shrugs off a painful blow and continues to fight on, digging in through a gritty phase where every run is hard-earned for Australia. | Cricket

The great news for cricket fans Down Under is that the entire Ashes Test series will be broadcast live on free-to-air network 7. That means you'll also be able to watch the action online for free via the network's 7Plus streaming service.

Rishabh Pant replaces injured Shubman Gill as India’s Test captain in Guwahati, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown against South Africa with major selection calls and pitch scrutiny.

The Ashes series began with a significant moment in Australian cricket history, even before a ball was bowled. Although England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and decided to bat first in Perth, it was Australia that claimed the spotlight by fielding two Indigenous cricketers in a Test match for the very first time.

Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa after travelling unnecessarily to Guwahati despite a neck injury. The Indian captain has now been released from the squad and sent to Mumbai for further assessment,

England’s batters will have their work cut out – during the past five years, Australia has been the most difficult country in the world to face fast bowling. Despite this, the hosts might face something they’ve rarely encountered during this series: an England side that genuinely believes it can win Down Under.

A frenzy has erupted over the new-look kit Australian players are sporting during the first Ashes Test in Perth.