Overview
- The series starts at Optus Stadium on November 21, with the day/night second Test scheduled for the Gabba on December 4.
- Pat Cummins will miss the Perth Test through injury and Steve Smith will captain Australia in his absence.
- Almost the entire Australia squad is gaining red‑ball time in the Sheffield Shield, while England arrived late and have only one intra‑squad warm‑up planned, drawing fresh criticism from Ian Botham.
- Chris Woakes welcomed the switch away from the Gabba as a small psychological lift for England, though he stressed performance will decide the opener.
- Mind‑games escalated as The West Australian labelled Joe Root “Average Joe,” while statistical analysis underscored how often the first Test shapes Ashes outcomes in Australia; Shield action also hinted at selections with Marnus Labuschagne batting at No.3 and Jake Weatherald in frame to open.