Overview
- England confirmed a 12-man squad for the first Test in Perth with Shoaib Bashir as the only specialist spinner as selectors weigh an all-pace XI.
- Mark Wood completed an extended high-intensity nets session and appears set to be available, pending any reaction before the toss.
- Australia will be without Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood for at least the opener, with Steve Smith to captain in their absence.
- Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland are set to lead the home attack, while Brendan Doggett and opener Jake Weatherald are in contention for debuts.
- The Optus Stadium surface is expected to offer pace and bounce, reinforcing both teams’ quick-bowling plans as England chase a rare fast start in Australia.