Overview
- England staged just one red-ball tune-up at Lilac Hill against the England Lions, where Stokes returned 6-52 in 16 overs in his first bowling since July.
- The ECB said Wood left day one with left‑hamstring stiffness and will have a precautionary scan, noting he is expected to bowl again in two days, leaving his availability uncertain for Nov 21 in Perth.
- The warm-up XI signalled a likely all-pace plan for the opener, as Shoaib Bashir was left out and the attack featured Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Stokes.
- Former players renewed criticism of England's light preparation after Stokes dismissed some as “has-beens,” while Michael Vaughan urged the team to accept scrutiny even as he backed the freshness strategy.
- With Wood in doubt, suggestions for pace cover included Brydon Carse, highlighted by Ryan Sidebottom, and Gus Atkinson, whom Phil Tufnell tipped as a potential difference-maker on seamer-friendly pitches.