Overview
- Pacer Sean Abbott was ruled out of the Perth Test with a moderate hamstring strain, while Josh Hazlewood was cleared after a hamstring scare ahead of the November 21 opener.
- Australia have not settled on Usman Khawaja’s partner, with Jake Weatherald or Marnus Labuschagne in contention depending on Cameron Green’s bowling readiness and Beau Webster’s role.
- England’s preparation consists solely of an internal three-day game against the England Lions starting November 13 at Lilac Hill rather than state warm-ups.
- Steve Smith suggested current Australian pitches could reward seam and movement more than outright pace, casting doubt on England’s speed-heavy attack.
- Ricky Ponting praised Ben Stokes’ squad as England’s best this century for an Ashes tour and publicly backed Weatherald to open for Australia.