Overview
- Ollie Pope hit 100 and 90 in England’s only warm-up against the Lions, effectively ending the No. 3 debate and outpacing challenger Jacob Bethell (3 and 70).
- Pope, recently replaced as Test vice-captain by Harry Brook, said scrutiny has sharpened his game as he seeks to improve a poor Ashes record in Australia.
- The first Test begins Friday, November 21, at Optus Stadium in Perth, setting the tone for a five-match series through early January.
- Australia will be without fast bowler Josh Hazlewood for the opener due to a hamstring injury, reshaping their pace options for Perth.
- England’s preparation comprised just one three-day match, with pundits noting Bazball’s perfect record in overseas series openers against their historically slow starts in Australia.