Overview
- Chief selector George Bailey is due to unveil the Perth Test squad today on the Gold Coast, with Steve Smith to captain.
- Pat Cummins will travel but has been ruled out of the opener as he continues his back recovery, with a return later in the series only possible.
- The second opening berth is described as a knife‑edge decision between Matt Renshaw and Jake Weatherald, and sources are pessimistic about Sam Konstas retaining his spot.
- Reporting indicates Scott Boland will cover for Cummins, Nathan Lyon will resume as frontline spinner, and Brendan Doggett is favoured for the extended pace group after a seven‑wicket Shield outing.
- Selectors are managing uncertainty over Cameron Green’s bowling workload and are expected to include extra seam cover, with Josh Inglis viewed as the leading spare batter.