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54m ago

Ashes Opener in Perth: England’s Pace Battery Eyes Opportunity as Cummins, Hazlewood Ruled Out

Australia’s injuries hand England an opening in Perth, testing a refined approach built on express pace.

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Cricket - International Test Match Series - Third Test - England v India - Lord's Cricket Ground, London, Britain - July 10, 2025 Former cricket player Stuart Broad before the start of play Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
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Overview

  • The first Test is scheduled for November 21-25 at Optus Stadium in Perth, opening the 2025-26 Ashes.
  • With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood out injured, Steve Smith will captain Australia for the Perth Test.
  • England arrive with rare high-end speed in Jofra Archer and Mark Wood plus depth options like Gus Atkinson, after Wood was cleared following a hamstring scare.
  • Pre-match inspections showed a light green tinge and even grass cover on the Perth surface, with the curator targeting pace and bounce and conditions expected to dry before day one.
  • Former pacer Stuart Broad said England’s prospects hinge on results in the first two Tests, underscoring calls for a more situational, disciplined version of Bazball away from home.