Ashes Opener in Perth: Australia Lose Cummins and Hazlewood as Steve Smith Leads Against Stokes’ England

Overview

• First Test runs November 21–25 at Optus Stadium in Perth, the venue’s first Ashes match.
• With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood injured, Australia are set to field Mitchell Starc with Scott Boland and likely debutant Brendan Doggett under stand‑in captain Steve Smith.
• Scrutiny of succession planning grows as Cameron Green is the only player under 30 in Australia’s squad.
• Ben Stokes leads an England team defined by aggressive tactics following just one three‑day practice game against the Lions.
• Pre‑series mind games escalate as Andrew Strauss says Stokes will be tested psychologically and Scott Boland singles out Joe Root as the key wicket to contain.