In seven days time, we will know whether England have regained the Ashes or whether they still have work to do in the remaining two Tests to ensure that they fly home with the miniature urn.

The likelihood is that Australia will come out of the traps flying in Perth after losing the Second Test by an innings, although there are several England players in excellent form and that includes James Anderson.

Anderson flew home to England after a successful Second Test to witness the birth of his second child, something which has raised questions over whether the fast bowler will be in peak condition to face the Aussies.

“I’ve got two days of preparation now,” he said. “I don’t see why they’re not going to go well, and I feel fresh, and probably happy for the rest from bowling after a tough first two Tests.

“It was obviously nice to go back for a few days and be there for the birth,” he said. “In an ideal world, I probably would have stayed a bit longer. But the nature of my job is I’ve got to be here and try to perform at my best for England.”