Overview
- England’s only red‑ball hit‑out is a three‑day intra‑squad match against the Lions at Lilac Hill from Thursday before the Perth Test on November 21.
- Ben Stokes declares himself fit, brushes off criticism from former greats, and signals he may pair Jofra Archer with Mark Wood for extra pace in Perth.
- Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick says quick, bouncy Australian pitches suit England’s aggressive batting style under Brendon McCullum.
- Australia face fresh uncertainty after Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott left a Sheffield Shield match with hamstring issues, with Steve Smith already captaining in Pat Cummins’ absence.
- The hosts’ opening slot remains unresolved as Jake Weatherald records low scores again, while recalled Marnus Labuschagne continues strong domestic form with another fifty.