Overview
- Pat Cummins bowled at full pace in NSW training and with a pink ball at the SCG, reinforcing plans for a possible second-Test return in Brisbane after being ruled out of Perth.
- Australia’s 15-man group for the first Test is notably veteran-heavy, with Cameron Green the only player under 30, and senior bowlers dismissing age concerns as valuable experience.
- Uncapped Jake Weatherald is in contention to open with Usman Khawaja in Perth, with Marnus Labuschagne favored to slot at No.3 depending on all-rounder balance.
- Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland are set to lead the pace attack in the opener, with the trio tuning up in the Sheffield Shield; Steve Smith will captain in Perth.
- England talk up a pace-first blueprint and “quiet confidence,” as Stuart Broad’s critique of Australia drew a sharp rebuttal from ex-quick Ryan Harris ahead of the November 21 start in Perth.