Australia vs England - The Ashes LIVE: Steve Smith is hammered by English rival over stunning attack just before start of first Test

Peter Siddle delivered one of the great Ashes moments on his 26th birthday when he claimed a stunning hat-trick at the Gabba in 2010. He removed Alastair Cook, Matt Prior and Stuart Broad in a dramatic burst that flipped the momentum of the opening Test.

Now he has re-lived that moment, re-creating the deliveries that brought him the ultimate birthday present

'Well, I think Glenn McGrath has already gone with the 5-0. and there are some big statements coming out. I think David Warner said Steve Smith's going to get hundreds or something. It's all happening! I could definitely see him getting at least two hundreds, by the way.

'I'm going to go 3-1 to Australia. There will probably be a draw or a washout or something and I do think England can win a Test. But, look but Australia has an advantage, there is no doubt about that. Just look at the record they have playing at home. England haven't managed to win a Test here since 2011.

'I suppose it's such a long time now that it's completely different players and I don't think Stokes and McCullum will lack confidence, but you have to start well. You have to start well in Perth because you then have to go to the Gabba in the second Test, which is a very dicey wicket to play on. It's quick and dangerous. If you're not in a good spot, it can suss you out.

'Australia are favourites based on everything. The history, the stats and the conditions.I do think there are a few question marks hanging over the England bowling attack, whereas our bowling unit looks pretty settled, even with Cummins being injured.'

'I suppose both batting lineups have little issues within themselves. From England's point of view, you need Root, Brook and Stokes to make big runs. Root has to lead it, like Steve Smith has to lead it for Australia.

'I'll say Australia to win. But the first Test and even the first day is going to be big. If England lose the first Test or say it's a draw, it's still about them setting the tone, not just for themselves, but to the crowd, for the supporters, the media and the opposition. They can make a statement and say 'This is the way we're going to do things' and everyone will take note.'

Perth is set for a hot, bright opening day to the Ashes, with temperatures climbing into the high 20s and barely a cloud in sight.

The clear skies mean any early movement for the quicks will burn off quickly, handing the advantage to batters after the first hour.

With no rain or weather interruptions expected, the game should roll straight through, putting pressure on bowlers to strike before the pitch flattens out.

As the heat builds, spinners could become more influential later in the day as the surface dries and the ball grips.

The fielding side will face the toughest test in the afternoon, where the sun and rising temperature could sap energy and sharpen the need for discipline.

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.