The England cricket team has drawn strong criticism from Australian media over its preparation for the upcoming Ashes series. The West Australian published a full-page spread with the headline: “A Green Monster But Cocky Tourists Skip Practice To Play Golf Instead,” implying that England’s players chose golf over practice sessions.

The article included photos of several players on the golf course, just days before the first Test, which kicks off on Friday. Ben Stokes was one of those pictured at the Araluen Estate in Perth, where he played golf before England’s warm-up match against the England Lions. This issue has sparked a heated debate about the team’s readiness for the series.

Ahead of the high-stakes Ashes series, England played only a single warm-up match, while most of the Australian players participated in Sheffield Shield fixtures. Even England legend Ian Botham raised concerns about the visitors’ lack of preparation, suggesting that they could struggle to adjust to the bounce on Australian pitches.

Former England spinner Monty Panesar has backed his side to win the Ashes in Australia for the first time in 15 years. He believes that if Ben Stokes and his team can take the first Test in Perth, they will go on to claim the series.

While Australia haven’t lost a home Test to England since 2011, Panesar feels the visitors have the upper hand this time, citing the growing injury worries in the Australian camp.

“You look at Australia, and they’re missing Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. They’ve got a new opener, replacing David Warner, but we’re not sure how he’ll perform. Usman Khawaja’s recent record hasn’t been great, to be honest. I believe England have the upper hand. If they win the first Test, they’ll be in a strong position to win the series,” Panesar said.