Overview
- England play their only red-ball tune-up against the England Lions at Lilac Hill from Thursday before the first Test on November 21 in Perth.
- Ben Stokes said the packed calendar leaves no scope for extra first-class matches and rejected claims the side will arrive underdone.
- Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick indicated selection continuity, suggesting Ollie Pope is set to remain at No. 3.
- Stokes raised the possibility of fielding both Jofra Archer and Mark Wood in Perth, framing the double-speed option as contingent on fitness.
- England’s staff argue Perth’s pace and bounce should favour their aggressive approach, even as ex-players object and most Australians gain Shield match practice.