India, Nov. 18 -- The Australian media's attack on the England team intensified ahead of the first Ashes Test in Perth, after a local newspaper ran a provocative piece slamming the visitors for ditching practice to play golf. The series begins on November 21 at Optus Stadium.

On Tuesday, The West Australian newspaper, which has led much of the local media's criticism, splashed a photo of the Perth pitch for the opening Test across its front page, calling it: "Pitch Perfect! England's worst nightmare. A Green Monster." It added another jab at the Ben Stokes-led side, noting: "But cocky tourists skip practice to play golf instead."

It's no secret that England players love their golf, and the habit has drawn criticism before for eating int...