Australia v England, 1st Test, Brisbane! The Ashes

Paceman Chris Tremlett and injured wicketkeeper Matt Prior were given the thumbs up by England on Sunday, suggesting both are likely to play in the first Ashes Test against Australia starting Thursday.

England bowling coach David Saker said Tremlett, bidding for the third seamer's spot, was doing well bowling in the nets after being rested for the tourists' seven-wicket win over the Cricket Australia Invitational XI in Sydney.

Prior has been a concern since straining his calf during the tour match against Australia A in Hobart. But Saker said he was confident the first-choice gloveman will be fit to start on Thursday in Brisbane, with Jonny Bairstow on standby.

Australian-born Saker admits Tremlett and other candidates Steven Finn and Boyd Rankin have failed to press their Test case so far on tour.
Saker described Finn, who took eight wickets but leaked runs in the tour match in Sydney, as a "work in progress", but said Tremlett had made major inroads in the nets after being rested at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

England want a bowler who can mix control with wicket-taking ability, something Tremlett did last time he was in Australia when he took 17 wickets at 23.35 in the 2010/11 series.
"I think we're pretty clear in our minds where we're going to go. I'm not going to announce who's going to play but we're confident where we are," Saker told reporters.
"I know that the guys we've got in this group are good enough and we're prepared and we're ready for this challenge.

Australia all talk, but can they back it up?

Pakistan will lose the 4th position in ICC Test ranking if Australia manages to win or draw series against England

David Warner is ready to rein in his attacking instincts with the bat in an effort to dominate England's bowlers this summer.