Overview
- Selectors are set to finalise and announce an expected 15‑man Ashes squad mid‑week for the November 21 Test at Optus Stadium, which sold out its opening day months ago.
- Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Test with a back issue and will travel to Perth to build bowling loads as part of his rehabilitation.
- Steve Smith is expected to captain in Cummins’ absence, with the final balance of the side shaped by how many overs Cameron Green can deliver and Beau Webster under consideration for depth.
- Scott Boland is widely tipped to fill the seam role left by Cummins after strong early‑season Sheffield Shield returns.
- Preparation ramps up on both sides as Australia’s likely XI, including Travis Head, tune up in the Shield, while England arrive in Perth for a single three‑day red‑ball warm‑up against the Lions at Lilac Hill with coach Brendon McCullum insisting there will be no excuses.