After the Aussies flogged England in the first Test, it’s well and truly game on. TNT caught up with former England captain and Sky Sports analyst Nasser Hussain to get his expert view of what’s going down Down Under.

The series in England was a lot closer than 3-0 suggested, but the first Test seemed a bit of a shock for everyone…
The result was closer than 3-0, but that is how it ended. Australia played some good cricket and I think we all realised that on their home patch it will be a lot closer. The result of the first Test surprised everyone, the turnaround from England on 130-6 was incredible, so Australia deserve the credit.

Is it time for England to worry?
Never write England off. They came back to win against India last year and history tells you they’ll fight back. It only takes one or two players to come in or out of form.

Mitchell Johnson’s performance was huge – is there a feeling that he is key to winning the series despite only Perth being as lively a wicket as Brisbane?
There are plenty of keys, but Johnson gives Australia the x-factor they were lacking. He has extra pace on quick pitches like the Gabba and the Waca, and also got some useful runs. Extra pace does funny things to players, so any side with that in their arsenal has winning potential.

How big a blow is Jonathan Trott’s departure?
Trott’s been there for England over the past four or five years, so to lose him is massive. He’s done a very brave thing and we wish him well. Bell or Root will step up, but don’t have Trott’s experience.

How important is Clarke’s batting form to an Aussie victory?
With him on form, Australia’s batting goes from fragile to decent… his battle with Stuart Broad is key.

A lot’s been said about the Aussie’s sledging (England aren’t  without blame either) – is the chatter putting a dampener on the series or is it all part of the fun?

England weren’t happy about Warner’s comment off the field, and now you know why with Trott. However, they’renot complaining about what happens duringthe Test. The players are happy to give itand take it. The best watching has been Mitchell Johnson steaming into Joe Root,and Root smiling back. It’s always been thecase in Ashes battles that there’s sledging,and sometimes a line is crossed, but that justshows you how important it is to both sides.