Overview

• Ben Stokes is named captain and, per the ECB, remains on track for the first Test on November 21 in Perth, though his ability to bowl extensively is uncertain.
• Harry Brook replaces Ollie Pope as Test vice-captain in a leadership reshuffle that follows Pope’s recent stint as deputy and stand-in skipper.
• England opt for a pace-heavy touring party featuring Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts, with Chris Woakes not selected as he rehabs a shoulder injury.
• Shoaib Bashir is picked as the specialist spinner and Will Jacks earns a surprise recall as back-up spinner and all-round option, with Jacks recovering from a broken finger but expected to be available.
• In Australia, selection talk continues as Ricky Ponting floats promoting Travis Head to No.3 and backs Sam Konstas and Cameron Green, underscoring unresolved top-order decisions.