Overview
- Optus Stadium will host the first Test on November 21 instead of the Gabba, a switch Chris Woakes says offers England a small psychological lift.
- Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the Perth Test with a back issue, with reports indicating he could return for the day-night second Test in Brisbane.
- Marnus Labuschagne batted at No.3 for Queensland as Jake Weatherald stayed in the frame to open with Usman Khawaja, reflecting ongoing top‑order deliberations.
- Cameron Green returned to bowling at the WACA and struck early; selectors want him to get through roughly 15–20 overs as Beau Webster pressed his case with 5-50 in Hobart.
- Mitchell Starc warmed up with 4-91 in the Shield as other Test hopefuls logged mixed outings, while Ian Botham criticised England’s late arrival and single warm-up match in Perth.