Overview
- England will play a single three-day tune-up against the Lions at Lilac Hill from Thursday, with assistant coach Marcus Trescothick calling the streamlined plan the modern standard and noting extra training days at Optus Stadium.
- Stokes has been training at full intensity and, if medically cleared, is expected to play a full role, with teammates describing his sessions as “beast mode” and coaches satisfied with his progress.
- Steve Smith will lead Australia in the first Test with Pat Cummins out due to a back issue, as both teams’ squads were confirmed for the Perth match starting November 21.
- Australia’s opening slot alongside Usman Khawaja remains under scrutiny after Jake Weatherald’s low Shield scores, Matt Renshaw’s century and Marnus Labuschagne’s continued form kept options open for selectors.
- Debate over England’s limited preparation intensified with critiques from Ian Botham and others, a counter from Stuart Broad backing the approach, and fresh tactical chatter after Simon Katich predicted short‑pitched plans for Steve Smith.