Overview
- Pat Cummins remains sidelined with a back injury, with Scott Boland the likely on-field replacement as Steve Smith captains the first Test on November 21 in Perth.
- Jake Weatherald won a tight selection call over Matt Renshaw, while Sam Konstas was omitted as Marnus Labuschagne returned to the squad.
- Labuschagne could open with Usman Khawaja or shift to No. 3 depending on whether Green can deliver an all-rounder’s bowling workload.
- Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott were added as reserve quicks behind Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Boland, with Josh Inglis included as a versatile batting and wicketkeeping option.
- George Bailey said the XI will be set closer to the match, as public pressure from Steve Waugh highlighted calls to manage the team’s transition more firmly.