Overview

• Brendon McCullum said the Australia series starting in Perth on November 21 is the biggest of the players’ careers.
• Jofra Archer earned rave reviews after a blistering new-ball spell against South Africa, taking four wickets inside the powerplay.
• England are keeping Archer active in the T20Is versus South Africa while resting Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith to preserve them for the tour.
• Ben Stokes and Mark Wood are progressing in their recoveries, with Wood set for a County Championship game and Stokes undertaking intensive training.
• Jacob Bethell’s maiden professional century has enhanced his selection case, with the Ashes schedule locked in from Perth to Sydney through January 8.