Ashes 2017/18: SWOT analysis of Australia ahead of the series

Threats

The Aussies will look to take advantage of Ben Stokes' absence

Complacency - With an incredible home record, there is a possibility that the hosts might become complacent. South Africa and England have managed to beat Australia at home and on paper, the visitors are a better equipped and experienced team.

Verbal spats/sledging - The Ashes and sledging go hand in hand. Everyone from the players to the crowds to the umpires gets involved and the cricket field turns into a war zone. Australia vice-captain David Warner has already dropped a hot potato by calling the upcoming series 'a war'. The Aussies, who are known to suffer from the occasional 'brain-fade', must concentrate on their game rather than mental disintegration.

Finding loopholes in England's preparations - England were dealt a huge blow when Ben Stokes got involved in a street brawl in September. Although he was released from police custody a few hours later, he was not picked in the touring Ashes squad.

Stokes is a vital cog in England's Test team and a lot of Australians have been taking digs at the all-rounder's off-field behaviour. The hosts don't have a player like Stokes with their number six batting spot still up for grabs, and indulging in mind games will only worsen things for Australia.