Overview
- England began their lone pre-Ashes match against the Lions at Lilac Hill with a full-strength bowling group, light overs for Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse sidelined by illness.
- Ben Stokes said every senior squad member would feature in the three-day hit-out, with No.3 selection interest centering on Ollie Pope versus Jacob Bethell after recent ODI form.
- Steve Smith argued Australian wickets may reward seam and swing over outright speed, cautioning England’s express-heavy attack as he prepares to lead Australia in the Perth opener.
- Ricky Ponting hailed Stokes’ side as England’s best this century and backed Jake Weatherald to partner Usman Khawaja, though Australia’s top-order call remains unresolved.
- India host South Africa from Friday at Eden Gardens before Guwahati’s first men’s Test on Nov. 22, with Delhi dropped over air quality and session times in Guwahati moved earlier to maximize daylight.