Overview
- Australia named a 15-player group for the Perth Test, dropping opener Sam Konstas, handing Jake Weatherald a maiden call-up and recalling Marnus Labuschagne after prolific domestic returns.
- Pat Cummins will miss the first Test with a lumbar stress injury, Steve Smith will captain in Perth, and reserve quicks Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott were included for cover.
- Selectors left batting roles open with Marnus Labuschagne considered to open or bat No. 3, a decision tied to Cameron Green’s ability to bowl in the next Sheffield Shield round.
- Cricket Australia emphasized ongoing assessment with 14 of the 15 squad members set to play Shield matches before the November 21 Ashes opener at Optus Stadium.
- India finalized a two-Test squad versus South Africa with Rishabh Pant returning from injury, Mohammed Shami left out, Akash Deep in for Prasidh Krishna, and several players joining after the T20Is, with Kuldeep Yadav released early to gain red-ball time with India A.