Overview
- Ben Stokes said Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are in strong bowling shape and could be picked together for the first Test.
- England arrived with a fully fit fast-bowling group including Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts alongside Archer and Wood.
- All of England’s quicks are expected to feature in the warm-up match against the Lions starting Thursday, nine days before the Perth Test.
- Stokes emphasized that skill and control will guide attack composition rather than raw pace alone against Australia’s batting.
- Australia’s Steve Smith argued that recent pitches can reward accuracy over speed, and Josh Hazlewood was cleared to play after hamstring scans.