Overview
- Australia lead the five‑match series 3-0 and have already retained the Ashes after victories in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide.
- Managing director Rob Key said reports of excessive drinking during the Noosa break will be investigated, and the ECB said it will establish the facts.
- A social‑media video appearing to show opener Ben Duckett disoriented remains unverified, and Ben Stokes said his priority is protecting his players’ welfare.
- Key publicly backed head coach Brendon McCullum to continue if he evolves, while acknowledging preparation errors and warning a broader review could follow.
- England’s Melbourne XI features Jacob Bethell and Gus Atkinson after Jofra Archer was ruled out with a side strain and Ollie Pope was dropped.