Can England deliver the perfect Christmas present?

The third Ashes Test at Perth could be the defining moment of the series. Paul Newman in the Daily Mail says England, indisputably on the up, need to prove that they have eliminated the inconsistency that has seen them stumble at both Headingley and Johannesburg in the past 18 months when on the brink of famous series victories. Australia, on the other hand, have the next five days to prove whether they have bottomed out or whether Ponting can rouse them for one last hurrah.

England will have to buck history if they are to triumph here on a pitch which is the antithesis of anything they experience at home. But, then, they have been turning their noses up at history from the moment they arrived here and nothing that has happened since England's famous victory at Adelaide suggests that Australia can halt the smooth English passage towards the most comprehensive of all Ashes victories

In the Guardian former England coach Duncan Fletcher says that while he is hoping for and England win in Perth, he also believes a draw would be a better result for the sport and would be crucial in ensuring the series sustains the interest of the public.

Test cricket could be about to go through some tough times. In recent years the popularity and quality of the game has always been on the up but I worry we may be about to see it take a dip. The reason is that the sport has lost so many of its best players

Writing in the same newspaper, Mike Selvey says that a win in Perth would mean England have the Ashes job done with the prospect of a dominance not seen since Australian cricketing austerity times of the late 70s. An Australian win, though, would throw a panther among the black swans in the park: MCG, all to play for, teams level, Australia in the ascendant.

Flower's insistence on keeping partners out of the way until now was carefully thought out, debated, and disagreed with in some quarters, but has served them well. Now his work will be to ensure that the relief that comes with reuniting families does not in itself prove a distraction and a hindrance. The team are on the threshold of greatness in the English pantheon and cannot be allowed to blow it away in familial joy

Once again, in the Daily Mail, Lawrence Booth says that England, who are on the verge of creating history in Perth, have to guard against in 'Doosmday scenario'.

The pitch at the WACA will be in focus, and Stephen Brenkley in the Independent warns, that the pitch could be back to its old, bouncy self again.

Nasser Hussain, in the Daily Mail, looks at another factor that could be crucial at the WACA: the effect of the he afternoon sea breeze known as the Fremantle Doctor.

Writing in the Independent, Angus Fraser says that if Australia are to bounce back in Perth, they need to find a player who will rattle England. He says that opener Phillip Hughes could well have the ability to turn the series for them.

The England players have been joined by their families and partners in Perth and in the Independent, Harriet Walker considers the mysterious appeal of the men in white.