GLADIATORS READY

Battle lines are drawn Down Under as England look to put Aussies to sword

- BY JEREMY CROSS

IT IS England's biggest challenge of them all - the Ashes in Australia.

And Steve Finn has urged Ben Stokes and his side to win a “gladiatorial” battle and turn themselves into cricketing legends.

As the hours tick away to tomorrow's first Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth, the hosts start the series as favourites to keep hold of the famous urn and inflict more pain on England on home soil.

Finn has experienced the highs and lows of an Ashes series Down Under, chronicled in his raw and emotional book entitled 'The Ashes Files'.

The fast bowler was part of the last England squad to triumph in Oz, back in 2011.

But he was also left broken by the humiliation of losing a series 5-0 three years later.

The experiences leave Finn convinced an Ashes series in Australia is still the most daunting and demanding challenge an Englishman will ever face.