Overview
- Chairman of selectors George Bailey said the panel is still gathering information from this week's Sheffield Shield round before naming the Optus Stadium XI.
- Cameron Green is set to bowl for Western Australia to prove his readiness after back surgery, with his bowling load viewed as central to Australia’s team balance.
- Pat Cummins will miss the first Test with a back issue, so Steve Smith leads Australia in the series opener on 21 November.
- Mitchell Starc took 4-91 for NSW, Nathan Lyon claimed 2-65, Josh Hazlewood went wicketless, Scott Boland featured for Victoria, and Brendan Doggett pressed his case with 5-66 as Jake Weatherald was out for 23.
- Nathan Lyon’s place is under discussion despite his outstanding Perth record, with Mark Taylor suggesting he could be left out if both Green and Beau Webster are picked, while Greg Chappell warned about Australia’s ageing batting against England’s pace.