Overview
- Steve Smith said Australia will field four quicks and no frontline spinner after inspecting a “furry, green” MCG pitch with about 10mm of grass.
- Australia named a 12-man group, with Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett and Jhye Richardson vying for two pace spots to be finalised at the toss.
- Usman Khawaja is retained to bat at No. 5 with Alex Carey at No. 6 and Cameron Green sliding to No. 7, while Josh Inglis drops out.
- Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon remain unavailable due to injury management and a hamstring surgery respectively, with Josh Hazlewood still out of the series.
- England confirmed their XI with Gus Atkinson in for the injured Jofra Archer and Jacob Bethell replacing Ollie Pope, as Australia seek to extend a 3-0 series lead at the MCG.