Overview
- None of the Perth Test XI will play the Prime Minister’s XI match in Canberra, with only Jacob Bethell, Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts joining the England Lions.
- England will head to Brisbane on Wednesday and add extra Gabba training, including floodlit sessions from Saturday, before the December 4 day-night Test.
- The decision drew sharp criticism from Michael Vaughan and other pundits, who say batters need pink-ball time given Australia’s 13 wins in 14 day-night Tests and England’s recent collapses.
- Supporters such as Stuart Law and Mike Atherton argue Manuka Oval’s slow, low bounce would be poor preparation for the Gabba’s pace and steep bounce.
- Australia lead 1-0 after Travis Head’s match-winning century in the two-day Perth Test, with local debate considering Head as opener and candidates like Beau Webster, Matt Renshaw or Josh Inglis for No 5.