It is being claimed that neither the prime minister's right hand man and spinner -in-chief, Alastair Campbell, or his wife Fiona Millar, who works as Mrs Blair's aide, have fallen out with Mrs Blair over her relationship with either Carole Caplin or Mr Foster.

BBC: More twists in Cherie Blair case

On top of the leadership changes, Australia are likely to hand debuts to two young players in Sydney - batsman Usman Khawaja and spinner Michael Beer.

BBC: Ashes: Brad Haddin defends Michael Clarke as skipper

If off-spinner Hauritz is ruled out after being hit on the middle finger of his right hand during the team's final practice session, left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson will be the only member of their attack to play in all three Tests.

BBC: Paceman Clint McKay to make Test debut for Australia