Overview
- The five-Test Ashes series starts in Perth on 21 November before moving to Brisbane (day/night), Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.
- England quicks have trained in a heated, fan-equipped tent at Loughborough to simulate Australian summer temperatures and build stamina.
- Mark Wood said players are drilling for hostile crowds, including repeated “champ” sledges, to sharpen mental resilience on tour.
- Joe Root says his focus is on mindset rather than technical tweaks as he seeks to end a century drought in Australia that Ricky Ponting views as a mental hurdle.
- Nathan Lyon believes captain Pat Cummins is unlikely to be fit for the Perth opener, suggesting a possible return from Brisbane after intensive work.