Overview
- Steve Smith will captain with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood ruled out of at least the first Test.
- Scott Boland and uncapped Brendan Doggett are in line to support Mitchell Starc, with Nathan Lyon as the spin option.
- Australia are weighing their top order, with Marnus Labuschagne recalled and Jake Weatherald considered to debut as an opener.
- England named a 12 that includes Mark Wood after a clear scan and spinner Shoaib Bashir, and they are weighing an all-seam XI with Jofra Archer in the mix.
- Perth curator Isaac McDonald says preparation has been advanced to ensure firmness and trademark bounce after last year’s volatile opening day.