ISSUES STUNNED ENGLAND MUST SORT OUT

England are in familiar territory at the start of an Ashes tour of Australia, 1-0 down after a demoralising first Test. Rory Dollard looks at the five issues they must resolve before the series moves on to Brisbane next week.

- FROM RORY DOLLARD

How do they keep morale alive?

The fact that the question needs to be asked after six sessions of cricket is an indication of just how painful the loss in Perth felt. And three unscheduled days off will be a challenge.

The local newspapers will make uncomfortable reading and the early talk of enjoying the wider experience of touring Australia may be easier said than done, with thousands of crestfallen England fans teeming around the city and even more chipper home fans.

The favoured pastime of golf has been a bugbear for some critics but the management will be aware that keeping spirits up is one of their most important tasks.

Should Test team stop off in Canberra?

England decided early in their planning not to take up Cricket Australia on their offer of a two-day day/night warm-up against the Prime Minister's XI. Instead, Andrew Flintoff’s Lions will be heading to the Manuka Oval.