England's Mark Wood deemed fit for first Test while Australia's Josh Hazlewood is ruled out - Ashes Updates

With the 2025/26 Ashes series between hosts Australia and old rivals England on the horizon, we round up all the latest news, as Australia captain Pat Cummins and seamer Josh Hazlewood are both ruled out of the first Test. England's Mark Wood, however, has been cleared to play in Perth on November 21. You can watch and stream all the action live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Watch: Anderson lifts lid on THAT Ashes moment with Johnson

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The 2025/26 Ashes will soon be here, and we will bring you all the major talking points ahead of the highly anticipated five-Test series between Australia and England.

The hosts go into the series as the big favourites, having not been beaten by their rivals on home soil since the 2010/11 battle for the urn.

The action gets underway in Perth on November 21, and you can watch and stream all the drama as it unfolds live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Ashes 2025

Pope impresses again with the bat as England seal Ashes warm-up victory

18 hours ago

Wood fit for first test, Hazlewood out

England fast bowler Mark Wood has been cleared of a hamstring injury ahead of the Ashes, while Australia's Hazlewood has been ruled out of the Perth test.

Wood, who underwent knee surgery just nine months ago, experienced stiffness after bowling eight overs on Thursday in a warm-up game against the England Lions.

Yet on Saturday morning, the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement: "Following precautionary scans on Friday, England fast bowler Mark Wood has been cleared of any concerns regarding his left hamstring.

"He is not expected to feature today [on Saturday] - the third day of England's warm-up match against the Lions XI at Lilac Hill Park, Perth. Wood will continue to train as planned in the build-up to the first Test in Perth."

Meanwhile, Hazlewood [hamstring] joins captain Pat Cummins [back] on the treatment table for Australia and will miss next week's opening Test.

Hazlewood was initially cleared of a serious problem after he suffered his injury playing for New South Wales against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield. However, further assessments have shown a muscle tear.

Mark Wood looks on before the third day of the practice match between England and the Lions at Lilac Hill

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Woakes thinks England ‘will win’ the Ashes

Former England bowler Chris Woakes thinks England will win this winter’s Ashes, as he highlighted the fact that the opposition are not the force they once were.

Woakes retired from International cricket at the end of the summer after suffering a shoulder injury that left his participation in the Ashes in doubt.

As such, he knows the England side well - and was quick to praise the "confidence" in the group, who are being led from the front by a resurgent Ben Stokes.

"I think [England] will win," Woakes said. "It's a five-match series in Australia, it's not going to be easy. But I think they've got the tools and the skills to win down there. I think the team and the squad looks as good as it has for a long time, since 2010/11.

"Obviously, the team that went down there in 2010/11 had a different mentality in terms of how they went about it compared to this team.

"But there are a few holes in the Australian team. It's not the team that you probably would talk about the last few years, or the last 10 years.

"I do think they're still a team that you shouldn't take lightly. There's probably a bit of uncertainty around their batting lineup, but they'll produce a team that's going to compete, especially in home conditions."

Wood suffers injury scare

Mark Wood is to have a precautionary scan on his hamstring after suffering some "stiffness" in England’s warm-up match against the England Lions at Lilac Hill in Perth.

The fast bowler is making his comeback after being out since February following knee surgery.

He bowled eight overs, including one maiden on the first day of the warm-up match, with England winning the toss and electing to field.

Mark Wood of England

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"Mark Wood is set to undergo a precautionary scan on Friday Nov 14, after suffering hamstring stiffness during Day 1 of England's warm-up game against England Lions in Perth," the statement from the ECB said.

"The England fast bowler spent time off the field during the afternoon session, having completed eight overs with the ball. He is expected to bowl again in two days' time."

Smith questions England’s pace attack

Steve Smith spoke to the Australian media in the wake of another warm-up half-century, with the first Ashes Test looming large.

But instead of focusing on his form with the bat, or his upcoming captaincy duties in place of the injured Pat Cummins, Smith instead looked to his opposition - and just what sort of bowling attack England are likely to select.

It looks likely to feature pace, with Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson all playing in England’s warm-up match against the England Lions.

But Smith is not sure if that is the right call.

Steve Smith of New South Wales

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"It's different on the wickets now, I think," he said. "I mean, those sort of nibblers can be quite tricky. So they might have got things the wrong way around, if that makes sense, in terms of the pace, from previous years.

"Obviously, they've got those guys at their disposal now. They probably weren't fit and ready, or old enough, maybe, a few years back.

"Sometimes the slower guys are almost harder to play on those wickets where you have to make the pace.

"It's going to be different. But I think we've got plenty of players that play fast bowling well, and it's going to be a good challenge."

England relied on Stuart Broad and James Anderson to lead their attack for well over a decade, but now have a bevy of very quick bowlers at their disposal.

As for Smith’s form with the bat, he has scored 118, 57 and 56 in the Sheffield Shield for New South Wales.

"It was nice to just be able to spend some time in the middle, get some rhythm and feel in a good place," Smith added, with the first Ashes Test now just over a week away.

Hazlewood set for first Test after injury scare

Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood suffered an injury scare ahead of the first Ashes Test against England, while Sean Abbott has been ruled out.

Hazlewood and Abbott both suffered hamstring injuries playing for New South Wales against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield.

Hazlewood left the field and did not return to bowl, but a Cricket Australia statement said he avoided a muscle strain.

"Hazlewood left the field... reporting tightness in his right hamstring. He underwent precautionary scans which have cleared him of muscle strain," said the statement. "He will train as planned in the lead up to the first Test in Perth"

Abbott suffered a "moderate grade hamstring injury" and has been ruled out of the opening Test.

Australia are without captain Pat Cummins for the match due to injury.

Green and Webster give selectors headache

Cameron Green took a wicket on his bowling return for Western Australia against Queensland in the Sheffield Shield.

The all-rounder has been tasked to bowl 15-20 overs in the match as he takes the ball for just the second time since having back surgery last year.

Beau Webster also caught the eye of the Australia selectors with 5-50 in Hobart against South Australia.

Duckett: Stokes in 'beast mode' ahead of return

England captain Ben Stokes has not played since the fourth Test against India in July due to a shoulder injury.

However, he is expected to be fit for the first Ashes Test and his teammate, Ben Duckett, has given a clear indicator of Stokes' fitness.

"I can only say we've been out here for a few days and he's been in beast mode," Duckett told the Willow Talk podcast.

"He has been running, bowling two spells, batting for two hours.

"The way he trains and stuff these days is something that I've never seen before.

"He's probably the most important man in this side when he's bowling, so hopefully he stays fit for all five Tests and bowling in all of them because he's crucial for us."

Ben Stokes

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Starc shines in Sheffield Shield

Mitchell Starc has fired a warning shot at England ahead of the upcoming Ashes series by taking four wickets for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield.

The fast bowler finished on 4-91 against Victoria in Sydney, while his international team-mate Nathan Lyon also took two wickets on an encouraging day for Australian cricket fans.

Victoria ended day one of their Sheffield Shield clash with New South Wales on 340-7 with their opponents yet to bat.

Josh Hazlewood is also expected to play a leading role in Australia’s pace attack in the opening Test in Perth later this month, but he did not take any wickets during the clash.

Starc and Hazlewood’s form could prove to be key to the result of the Ashes due to the absence of Australia captain Pat Cummins.

The first Test is scheduled to get underway on November 21, but Cummins is set to miss the opening encounter due to a back injury.

Sean Abbott is also part of Australia’s 15-player squad for the Ashes, and he also took a wicket in Sydney.

The clash between New South Wales and Victoria will resume on Tuesday.

Highlights: India defeat Australia by five wickets

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Australia's stars to get Sheffield Shield warm-ups

Australia's Ashes players will get welcome time out in the middle in the Sheffield Shield this week, with the Ashes series now less than a fortnight away.

Four-day Sheffield Shield matches are taking place at the SCG, WACA and Bellerive Oval. And 14 of the 15 players in the Australia squad are set to play in the matches. Usman Khawaja is the only member of the home party not involved.

While Australia will be getting competitive cricket in the tank, England will be playing a three-day intra-squad game at Perth's Lilac Hill, ahead of the first Test match in the city, which will be live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

When asked about England's preparations in recent days, Australia's Nathan Lyon - who will play in his fourth Sheffield Shield match of the season for New South Wales - said: "England can prepare however they want to prepare.

"I am not worried about how they're preparing or anything to do with them until the morning of November 21."

England's players have been focused on white-ball cricket in recent months, which some will see as a concern ahead of a typically tough five-Test Ashes series.

'A boundary that wins the game' - India beat Australia to tie up the series

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Wood gives update on fitness

Mark Wood has revealed that he is not back to 100% fitness despite recovering from a knee injury in time to play in the 2025 Ashes Series.

England will face Australia in the first Test in Perth from November 21 live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Wood underwent knee surgery in March, having previously played in four of England’s five Tests during the last Ashes Series in 2023.

Wood has not had much time to prepare for the opening clash in Perth, but he says that the intensity of his deliveries is building as the series gets closer and closer.

"The schedule is the schedule, I'm happy with what we've done," he said.

"In India recently, we didn't have many games there, and we went straight into that and managed to win that first game.

"We're going to have been here, what, two or three weeks as a group.

"That's a good enough build-up to that first game in my eyes. I suppose everybody's different, and some people might want more but, for myself, I want to feel fresh going in that first game, having done a little bit, but not too much.

"I want to be mint for that game, and as fresh as I can be. We've got a good depth of bowlers, and if one misses out, he'll be prepared for the next game.

"I wouldn't say I'm at 100%. I think it's very hard to train 100% all of the time.

"I've been off my full run-up and stuff, and I've been trying to just up the intensity as I go along.

"I'm sure in the practice game coming up, I can try and up it a little bit more again and gradually get ready for that first game."

Healy gives blunt verdict on Green inclusion

Australia cricket legend Ian Healy insists that Cameron Green should not play in the first Test of the Ashes if he is not able to bowl.

Green has traditionally been seen as an all-rounder, but hasn't bowled at Test level since March 2024 after undergoing back surgery last October.

He has been named in Australia’s 15-player squad for the first Test of the 2025 Ashes and beforehand hopes to bowl for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield.

Healy believes the 26-year-old should not feature for Australia if he is not ready to bowl.

"Guess who's holding the reins? It’s Cameron Green," Healy said on SENQ Breakfast.

"Cam Green, will he bat three and bowl, bat six and bowl, bat and not bowl or simply not play?

"Cameron Green needs to bowl 10 overs a day in the Shield game, and that’s all he has to do in the Aussie team to support the work of those three fast men.

"But he’s only bowled four overs this season, and at this stage, I’m saying Cameron Green shouldn't be in our Test team if he’s not bowling.

"In the Shield game, he’s going to try and emulate a Test workload, I’m assuming. He’s coming off back surgery, but that’s got nothing to do with a side strain and side soreness, which he’s got."

Weatherald says Australia dream felt out of reach

Jake Weatherald has revealed that his goal of playing for Australia felt out of reach at points during his career, and that he still has to pinch himself following his Ashes squad selection.

The 31-year-old batsman has been selected in Australia’s 15-player squad for the first Test of the 2025 Ashes, and could make his debut in Perth later this month.

Weatherald has had to wait for his chance to shine on the grandest stage, overcoming mental health issues along the way.

He says that representing Australia is something he has aspired to his entire career.

"Playing for Australia's the hardest thing to do in Australian sport," Weatherald said.

"It was always a goal that felt maybe a little bit out of reach at times.

"But at the same time, I probably got comfortable with myself to know that if I did the right things, at the right time, and I took my opportunities, then I'd be ready to go. It is a pinch-yourself moment.

"As a kid in Australia, you grow up wanting to play professional sport; representing Australia in cricket is the highest honour, and something that I've aspired to my whole career."

Weatherald could open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja.

Cummins targets second Test return

Pat Cummins has revealed that he is hoping to return from injury in time to feature in the second Test of the Ashes.

The Australian captain has been out since July after suffering a back injury, and is set to miss the opening Test in Perth.

The second Test of the series will start in Brisbane on December 4.

Cummins, 32, says that his body feels great in training as he looks to make his return in the second Test.

"That's the aim and we're building our plan to the second Test," Cummins said.

Highlights: India defeat Australia by five wickets

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"It's probably not until you get a bit closer that you can really know where you're at. The good thing is that I'm pulling up well and the body is great. It's all feeling really good. On track and yeah, probably better than I expected.

"We're trying to keep that second Test as a live option. I'll have a really good bowl in Perth, and by then I'll know where I'm at."

England fell to a 3-0 defeat in their ODI series against New Zealand ahead of the start of the Ashes series.

With England and Australia set to go head-to-head in five grueling Tests between now and January 8, Cummins admits he will have to manage his playing time.

"I'm pretty keen to play as much as I can," he said. "But realistically, if we have a big game and bowl 40 or 50 overs and then there's a game that starts a few days later, it might be a bridge too far.

"I'm trying to get right, and if I get right then hopefully I'll try to play most of it."

Cummins will not take part in a warm-up match ahead of his return from injury. He believes that he will get a unique perspective by watching the first Test with Australia's coaching team instead.

Swann issues Ashes mindset advice for Bashir

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"Before the 2023 ODI World Cup, I flew over to South Africa and watched the last couple of ODIs there," he added.

"It was actually a really different view from the coach's box. It's a different perspective.

"So hopefully I gather some information from being in that position through the Test that later on in the series I can use.

"Or maybe Steve Smith needs something and I have seen something differently from up there.

"But being close to the game and the conversations, I think I will need that going into the second or third Test."

Australia announce Ashes squad for first Test

Australia announced their 15-player squad for the first Ashes Test in Perth, with the big selection talking point seeing opener Sam Konstas dropped and the uncapped Jake Weatherald called up.

Weatherald has been in fine form in the Sheffield Shield and was the top run scorer in last year's competition, and the 31-year-old is now in line to open alongside Usman Khawaja at Optus Stadium.

Elsewhere, Marnus Labuschagne earns a Test recall after his five centuries in domestic cricket this summer, while Steve Smith takes captaincy in place of the injured Pat Cummins.

Scott Boland and uncapped pair Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett will battle out to take Cummins' place in the bowling attack alongside Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

England's attack to use 'Australian blueprint' in quest for Ashes glory

Mark Wood has admitted that England’s attack has adopted an "Australian blueprint" ahead of the Ashes.

The 35-year-old is widely regarded among the world’s fastest bowlers and is part of an England bowling contingent that has placed a premium on pace.

"I can truly say there’s a quiet confidence within the group," Wood told The Guardian. "It’s a different feel this time. Last time we had Covid and problems behind the scenes.

"Under this coach [Brendon McCullum] and this captain [Ben Stokes] there’s a specific way of playing and we’re going with more confidence and belief."

He continued: "It’s about having a collection of bowlers who can come in if anyone needs resting or there are injuries.

"We want a battery of fast bowlers and we’ve tried to change from the norm of England, where there are lots of seamers, to Australia’s vision of fast bowling.

"Look at Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood: they can all bowl at 90[mph] or in the high 80s and they’ve been especially consistent and relentless.

"So we’re going there with a bit of an Australia blueprint to see if we can replicate that and put their batters under pressure like they’ve done with ours."

Mark Wood is widely regarded to be among the world’s fastest bowlers.

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And so it begins... The West Australian fires early shot at Stokes

Ben Stokes was handed a warm welcome by Australian newspaper The West Australian as the England Captain and his side arrived in Perth.

The front cover of the paper on 5 November was headlined 'Baz Bawl' with a picture of Stokes and the caption: "England's Cocky Captain Complainer, still smarting from 'crease-gate,' lands in Perth early thinking dopey 'BazBall' can take the Ashes.

England arrived down under ahead of their sole practice match against England Lions at Lilac Hill on 13 November, ahead of the Ashes commencing on 21 November.

It is not the first time Australian media have targeted the England cricket side around the Ashes, with the Brisbane Courier Mail refusing to print Stuart Broad's name after he did not walk when edging behind during the 2013 Ashes series - instead calling him a "Smug Pommie Cheat."

Bailey defends ageing Ashes squad

Australia chief selector George Bailey defended the age of the Australia Ashes squad and said it deserves "respect."

Only one player, all-rounder Cam Green, is under the age of 30 in the 15-player squad, as 20-year-old opener Sam Konstas was dropped in favour of uncapped 31-year-old Jake Weatherald.

It has generated criticism, with former Australia captain Steve Waugh accusing Bailey of not having the appetite to make tough calls.

Uncapped Jake Weatherald was included in the Australia squad for the first Test in Perth at the age of 31.

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BaIley responded to the scathing reviews of the Australia team selection and insisted the players selected have the right to be there and demand respect.

"We're aware of the age profile of the team," said Bailey.

"I'm interested when people have that view as to who they would like us to leave. Is that Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc out? Is that just because of their age?

"You've got to give due respect that the guys are performing very well and they have the right to be selected."

Stokes extends England contract to 2027 Ashes

England captain Ben Stokes has signed a central contract extension that keeps him in the fold through the next home Ashes series in 2027. His previous deal was set to expire at the end of next summer.

Stokes is one of 14 players to secure a two-year contract, alongside key figures like Jofra Archer, who has also extended his deal following a return to Test cricket.

The contracts reward performances over the past year while aligning with England’s upcoming schedule, including the 2027 Ashes and the 50-over World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

All 16 players named in the squad for the upcoming Ashes in Australia have at least a one-year contract, with 11 - including Stokes, Archer, Joe Root, and Harry Brook - signed for two years.

Those on one-year deals - Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Shoaib Bashir, Matthew Potts - are primarily limited-format players.

Veteran pacer Mark Wood, 35, remains under the final year of a three-year contract signed in 2023.

'England the inventors of cricket - but we love beating them'

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The Stokes extension is particularly notable given his injury history. The 34-year-old all-rounder is recovering from a shoulder issue but is expected to be fit for the first Ashes Test in Perth on 21 November, marking his first appearance since July. The long-term deal signals the potential for him to lead England through the 2027 Ashes and aligns with head coach Brendon McCullum, whose contract runs until the end of that World Cup.

Other new or returning one-year contracts include all-rounder Jamie Overton and pace bowlers Sonny Baker, Saqib Mahmood, Luke Wood, plus all-rounder Liam Dawson.

Meanwhile, retired Chris Woakes has dropped off the list, as have Jonny Bairstow and spinner Jack Leach, while Liam Livingstone, Olly Stone, and Reece Topley also lose their contracts. Promising young pacers Josh Hull, Mitchell Stanley, Eddie Jack, and Tom Lawes have all been awarded development deals.

England two-year central contracts: Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Ben Stokes, Josh Tongue

England one-year central contracts: Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Phil Salt, Luke Wood, Mark Wood

England development contracts: Josh Hull, Eddie Jack, Tom Lawes, Mitchell Stanley

Overton insists New Zealand defeat will not impact Ashes

Jamie Overton has insisted England's ODI-series defeat to New Zealand will have no bearing on the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.

England fell to a 3-0 clean-sweep loss in a disappointing series, culminating in defeat by two wickets in Wellington on Saturday.

But Overton, who was one of England's few strong performers in New Zealand, has dismissed any suggestion the loss could affect the Ashes.

Jamie Overton of England bowls during game three in the One Day International series between New Zealand and England at Sky Stadium

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"I wouldn’t look into it too much at all," Overton said, as reported by the Independent. "It’s a completely different side. I know there’s a few boys that are here and playing into it, but it’s a different format.

"I still think the boys are going to go really well in Australia. The way the Test boys have played in the last 18 months, two years, they’ve played great cricket and you can rely on that.

"Whereas I think this 50-over side we’ve sort of struggled in the last 12 months. So it’s one of those things."

Australia opener enigma takes fresh twist as outsiders smash centuries

The identity of Australia’s opening batsmen remains a mystery just three weeks away from the opening Test live on TNT Sports and discovery+, and the latest round of Sheffield Shield fixtures provided more questions than answers after incumbent Sam Konstas failed again and three challengers scored centuries.

Usman Khwaja, the most nailed-on pick for a series in which he’ll turn 39, picked the perfect time to turn in his best knock of the season as he scored 87 against New South Wales, but the picture at the other end of the pitch is looking murkier than ever.

Konstas opened all three Tests in Australia’s last five-day series against the West Indies but only scored 50 runs and failed to even hit double figures in four of his six innings.

His woes continued in the Sheffield Shield as he fell for 10 and 41 against Khawaja’s side while Queensland captain Marnus Labuschagne is also a contender to open didn’t do his hopes any favours, scoring just four.

Meanwhile, Nathan McSweeney, who opened against India 12 months ago but was dropped after three Tests, smashed 103 from number three for South Australia up against Western Australia, who had their own centurion at the top of the order in the form of the disgraced Cameron Bancroft, who hit 122 and 58.

Campbell Kellaway of Victoria celebrates after scoring a half century during day three of the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Tasmania at CitiPower Centre, on October 30, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

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Finally, all eyes were on Jake Weatherald in Melbourne as he took on Victoria with many backing the 30-year-old to make his Test debut against England, but he got out for 12 and a duck and was outshone by Campbell Kellaway.

The 22-year-old is also yet to play international cricket and scored 147 for the hosts to take his season average over 40.

Barney responds to criticism over England's prep

England are "confident" that one warm-up game will provide sufficient preparation for the Ashes, according to England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) performance director Ed Barney.

England will go head-to-head with the England Lions on November 13 in their only warm-up match ahead of the opening Test in Perth on November 21, with the five-match series live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Two-time Ashes winner Ian Botham is among those to have voiced concerns over England's scheduled preparations.

England's last Ashes triumph in 2015 came after three warm-up matches, but they are confident in their approach this time around.

"I have no shadow of a doubt that the three-day fixture will be a quality exposure that will continue to aid England in their preparation," said Barney.

"I understand where the question comes from, the history of the game."

"The interesting question is - have you looked at the Future Tours Programme? Have you looked at franchise cricket and the fact that a multi-format player left the country on 13 October and if they play in every England commitment and play in the Indian Premier League and The Hundred they will have less than two weeks off between now and the end of September?

"There is a volume of cricket that takes place that means there is a constant balancing of red-ball, white-ball, franchise and domestic cricket commitments.

"We are confident in the set-up, the approach, the time the team have got together, the ability we have had to provide a set of different preparations that are optimal for different players."

Smith hits century as he finds form at the right time

Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith has found some good form ahead of the opening Test in Perth.

Smith hit a century in the Sheffield Shield against Queensland, helping New South Wales post 349-5 with his 118.

With the majority of his runs coming from boundaries all around the park, Smith looked back to his best, despite not playing any cricket for six weeks prior to the match.

Smith averages 56.02, having amassed over 10,000 runs in Test cricket. His average against England is a mighty 56.01, after scoring 12 Ashes centuries.

Steve Smith of New South Wales celebrates after scoring a century during day two of the Sheffield Shield match between Queensland and New South Wales at The Gabba

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However, while Smith excelled, Sam Konstas struggled for form yet again and was dismissed cheaply, to leave his place in the Australian starting XI hanging in the balance.

Cummins back bowling in the nets

There is some good news for Australia today, after captain Pat Cummins was able to bowl for the first time since July.

He has already been ruled out of the opening Test in Perth, but is attempting to recover in time for the second Test.

Local cameras picked up Cummins bowling in the nets in Sydney, off a shortened run-up.

He originally injured his back against the West Indies three months ago, with later scans revealing a lumbar stress injury.

The first Test will just come too soon for the Australian captain to gain fitness, but playing in the second Test on December 4 remains a possibility.

Cummins has been aided in his quest by the fact the first and second Tests are not back-to-back, with a week off in between.

Pat Cummins takes part in a training session

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Australia coach Andrew McDonald has expressed tentative hopes his man might be back for the second Test, saying: "What's the time frame, what does it look like for the second Test? [I am] not really going to be able to answer that, other than to say that he'll be back bowling this week, and that's a huge step.

"That was the big variable that we wanted to add in and get that information. So we're on the journey to that second Test and very hopeful that that will be a positive outcome."

Trescothick defends England preparation for Ashes

Cricket legend Marcus Trescothick has defended England’s preparation for the 2025/26 Ashes.

England will go head-to-head with the England Lions on November 13 in their only warm-up match ahead of the opening Test in Perth on November 21, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

England have not won an Ashes series since 2015 and are hoping to come out on top on Australian soil for the first time since the 2010/11 tour when they battled to a 3-1 win.

They prepared for that series with matches against Western Australia, South Australia and Australia A, but Trescothick believes that England’s pre-Ashes schedule is not too light this time around.

"It's not like [the players] have had three months without playing any cricket," he said.

"It's only a month since the last county game finished. They are prepping here [in New Zealand], all getting into it, and we have been good at adapting to different conditions in different places in recent years.

"It's not necessarily about having five games as that has an impact later in the series.

"If you take that time and add that to the trip and you are there for months, that is really tricky with the amount of cricket these guys play these days.

"It's about getting that preparation right and getting the guys together has worked well before - keeping it short, sharp and intense and working in that fashion."

England’s ODI side will face New Zealand in the second match of their white-ball tour on Wednesday.

The Black Caps recorded an impressive four-wicket win in the opening match of the series on Sunday.

Carey shrugs off Broad criticism

Ahead of the start of the 2025/26 Ashes, England icon Stuart Broad has said that this is the weakest Australia side since the 2010/11 victory.

However, Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey has shrugged off the accusation.

"Is that what he said, did he? We'll wait and see… We've got a really experienced cricket team who have had a lot of success over the last three, four, five years," Carey said.

"To win a World Test Championship, retain the Ashes [in England] and make another World Test Championship final was pretty good recognition.

"All the guys have played against Stuart in the past and we know how big a competitor he is and how much he's done for Test cricket.

"When you see players transition into the media, they're absolutely open to their opinions and the playing group doesn't hold any comments against anyone."

Khawaja: Australia can cope without Cummins

Australia batter Usman Khawaja has given his thoughts on the news that captain Pat Cummins will miss the first Test in Perth.

The 38-year-old admitted it was a blow but insisted the hosts will still be strong.

"It was expected I think," Khawaja told reporters.

"It's obviously a loss always. He's the best bowler in the world, he's been our captain for a while but we've also missed out on him a few times and done alright.

Usman Khawaja of Australia during Day One of the ICC World Test Championship Final between South Africa and Australia

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"I can remember a couple of games in Sri Lanka, couple of games in India we won, and even the last Ashes when Paddy got Covid. We lost him but then obviously other guys came in and we won that game in the Ashes too.

"It's disappointing but we've always had really good cover and played well."

Cummins ruled out of first Test

Australia were dealt a blow after confirming that captain Pat Cummins would be ruled out of the first Test in Perth.

The 32-year-old's focus is now on being fit for the second Test that begins in Brisbane on December 4, with Cummins' confirmed omission not coming as a huge surprise.

He is still recovering from a back stress injury and has been back running, but not bowled since July.

Pat Cummins takes part in a training session at Cricket Central on October 22, 2025 in Sydney, Australia.

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Coach Andrew McDonald had already revealed that the prospect of Cummins being involved in the first Test was becoming increasingly unlikely.

Doubts were starting to circulate surrounding the skipper's fitness from September, after missing the white-ball series against New Zealand and India due to a lumbar stress fracture.

Steve Smith will skipper the side in the absence of Cummins, having done so on six previous occasions.

Meanwhile, Steve Boland is said to be the likely replacement for Cummins in Australia's bowling attack.

Root 'more mentally focused' this year

Joe Root says he is "a lot more mentally focused" heading into this year’s Ashes series after making changes to his preparation.

The former England captain is yet to hit a century in 14 Tests in Australia, averaging 35.68 with nine fifties and a best of 89.

Ahead of the 2025 series Down Under, starting on November 21, Root explained what he is doing differently this time around.

"How I prepare now is different to how I would have done 10 years ago," Root said.

"I’ve played against a lot of their guys, I know how they operate, I know what they’re likely to try to bring to the series.

Joe Root

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"I used to be very technical in how I prepared. I’d want to make sure that everything felt lined up and my feet were in the right place, my head position was correct. But I’m a lot more mentally focused.

"Now I’m a bit more concerned about how I’m looking at the game; how I’m going to approach different situations, whether that be the surface, whether that be different bowler types, different angles, being able to manage those different angles when they come wide of the crease, things like that.

"So it’s just having a look at the likely make-up of their squad, the different threats that they may pose and then being clear on how I want to counter that."

Head hopes for bowler-friendly Ashes pitches

Travis Head admitted he is hoping the Ashes pitches continue to favour the seam bowlers in Australia.

The 31-year-old Australian, who was player of the series in the 2021/22 series, following centuries in Brisbane and Hobart, admitted he favours faster pitches when at the crease.

"I probably enjoy batting on those sort of wickets," Head told ESPNcricinfo. "The flatter wickets, with the grind, that more so challenge technique, I think, over longer periods of time [trying] to eke out runs has never probably come as natural to me with being a stroke player and wanting to get on with it. And the slower, flat wickets probably don't tend to that. But fast-paced pitches that nip, you can maybe get away with a few things.

"And then obviously the way I want to play is if they present opportunities to score, you score. So when they're greener, they pitch up a little bit more and a bit fuller, and the style that I play, if they miss a little bit, I'm able to hopefully score and get busy.

"It's a run-based game. You see some of the great players, like Steve Smith, Joe Root, you blink and they're on 30 or 40. And that's something that I've always appreciated, and definitely [on] these wickets, you know that you potentially have got one with your name on it. You can still play well. You can still get runs. Sometimes you've got to go about it in different ways. But ultimately, it's a game where you go try and score as many as you can."

Head added that the conditions in Australia may play against England's batters.

"England play pretty well on the flatter wickets, the way they play," Smith said. "So, if there's a bit in it like there has been the last three or four years, with our bowling attack, it certainly makes things a lot more difficult for their batters."

Travis Head

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Smith: I take game to another level as captain

Steve Smith has expressed confidence that stepping in for Pat Cummins as Australia captain during this year’s Ashes would be a "seamless transition."

Cummins has not featured since July due to a back injury and revealed last week he was "less likely than likely" to play in the series opener on November 21.

Smith has deputised as captain six times in Cummins’ absence, winning five of those Tests - and is ready to answer the call again if needed.

"The team is better with [Cummins] in it," Smith said. "Hopefully, he can get right - if he plays three or five Tests, as many as we can get out of him, it's the best thing for the team.

Pat Cummins

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"We'll see what happens. Pat's still got a few things to tick off. Obviously, he said he's unlikely for that first Test, but you never know — he's a healer, he gets well quickly.

"I've stood in a couple of times over the last few years. It's nothing out of the ordinary. I know how the team operates, we're in a good place, and if it happens, I'll look forward to it."

Smith, who previously captained Australia in 34 Tests between 2014 and 2018 before stepping down following the ball-tampering scandal, averages close to 70 with the bat when leading the national side.

"I feel like I go to another level and try to set a standard," Smith said. "It's worked well when I've stepped in over the last few years. It'll just be a seamless transition if that comes around."

Smith led Australia to a 4-0 Ashes series win at home in 2016/17 and stood in for Cummins during one Test of the dominant 4-0 victory in the 2021/22 series.

The 36-year-old has been on a two-month break since his last outing in The Hundred in August, but is set to return to domestic action in next week’s Sheffield Shield clash for New South Wales against Queensland.

"Honestly, it takes me two hits to get sorted," Smith added. "I feel like I'm ready to go now.

"There's obviously a balance, but I don't think it takes me much to get up to game speed, and I want to try to stay mentally fresh. Technically, I feel in a good place — it’s about being mentally fresh."

Australia expect Cummins to play 'major part'

Australia’s chair of selectors, George Bailey, says he is "hopeful" that captain Pat Cummins will play a "significant role" in the forthcoming Ashes series against England.

Cummins has been sidelined since July due to a back injury and indicated last week that he is likely to miss the series opener, which begins at Perth’s Optus Stadium on November 21.

Bailey has given an update on the 32-year-old's fitness this weekend, saying: "It's progressing. He's building up.

'Big blow' for Australia if Cummins injury disrupts 'fab four' - Cook

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"He's optimistic about it. I think the more he's done over the last few days, the more optimistic he's become but I categorically don't know if he's bowled a ball.

"We know time is getting short and there's permutations around that, not just around the back, but other factors as well.

"It's positive, we're really confident that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."

Bailey confirmed that Steve Smith would lead the side if there is a Cummins absence and also praised Marnus Labuschagne for his aggressive approach with the bat, after the Queenslander notched his fourth century in five domestic innings.

"Out of everything that he's played, I really liked the innings in Adelaide," Bailey said of Labuschagne. "I liked the intent, the movement, the way he built the partnerships.

"It's a nice bowling attack South Australia have got, so he's batting nicely. We know he's a quality player. We know there's a hell of a lot of class there.

"To see him putting the runs up that has been really pleasing. And long may it continue."

Marsh: I’m going to be six beers deep!

Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has claimed he plans to be "six beers deep" by lunchtime on the first day of the first Test against England - but has left the door open for selection for the Ashes series, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Questions are growing over whether the stand-in ODI captain should be reintroduced to the Test fold after also hitting a ton and an 85 in separate T20I matches against New Zealand and a century and an 88 during his side’s recent ODI series against South Africa.

Having earned the player-of-the-match award after Australia secured a seven-wicket victory over India in the first encounter of their ODI series, Marsh was pressed about whether he could return to Test cricket to feature for Australia against England in Perth on November 21.

"I’m going to be six beers deep by lunch on day one, mate," the 33-year-old told an ABC reporter when he was asked if the best way for him to be in attendance for the first Test was through being out on the pitch.

A lot of people will be keeping a keen eye on Marsh’s form during this series against India.

When asked if he would consider a return if he hit another century with the ODI squad, Marsh added: "Oh, I would never say no to playing Test cricket again... not at this stage again."

'Worst' Australia team since 2010 - Broad

Former England bowler Stuart Broad thinks Australia have their "worst" team since their most recent home Ashes defeat in 2010.

Broad was part of the England team that tasted success Down Under in 2010/11.

Since then England have failed to win a Test match in three Ashes series in Australia, losing 5-0, 4-0 and 4-0.

But Broad sees reasons for optimism this winter.

"You wouldn't be outlandish in thinking - it's actually not an opinion, it's a fact - it's probably the worst Australian team since 2010 when England last won, and it's the best English team since 2010," Broad told the For the Love of Cricket podcast on BBC Sounds.

"So those things match up to the fact it's going to be a brilliant Ashes series."

Australia have fitness concerns over captain and fast bowler Pat Cummins, who looks unlikely to play the first Test in Perth on November 21.

"Australia have been so consistent for a long period of time that you just knew who was going to open the batting, who was going to bat where, what bowlers there were - and they don't have that," added Broad.

"It's very much a similar situation to 2010-2011 when England went and won there.

"The fact of the matter is Australia generally have to be bad to lose in Australia and England have to be very good. England have a great chance of being very good and Australia have a decent chance of being bad.

"I don't think anyone could argue that it's their weakest team since 2010... it's just a fact."

Cummins 'less likely than likely' to play first Test

There have been rumours aplenty about the fitness of Pat Cummins ahead of the Ashes, and the Australian fast bowler has now admitted he is unlikely to feature in the first Test in Perth.

Cummins has been struggling with a back injury and has not bowled since July, when Australia claimed a 3-0 series win against West Indies.

Despite saying he is "actually feeling really good", Cummins knows he faces a battle to be ready to take on England in the opener.

"I wouldn’t put a percentage on it, but I’d say probably less likely than likely," he told Fox Cricket. "I’ve still got a bit of time.

"I’m running today and running every second day, and each run’s a little bit longer and then we get into slight bowling prep I think next week.

"I’m probably a couple of weeks away before I actually put on this spikes and bowl on the turf."

Ashes 2025

Cummins gives injury update amid speculation over Ashes involvement

13/10/2025 at 16:21

Wood 'quietly confident' of making first Test

England fast bowler Mark Wood has revealed he is "quietly confident" he will be fit for the first Ashes Test in Perth.

Wood has not played any cricket since February and had knee surgery in March but is eyeing up a return to the England Test side in their quest to bring back the urn from Australia for the first time since the 2010/11 series.

Speaking on the Wisden Cricket Weekly Podcast, Wood said: "Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener].

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game.

Mark Wood is pleased with his pace bowling in the nets as he looks to return to the England Test team.

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"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Wood last featured in a Test match 14 months ago against Sri Lanka but has been pleased with his speed in training, adding: "I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

Konstas struggles continue as Ashes place in doubt

One of the big question marks ahead of this Ashes series remains who Australia will select to partner Usman Khawaja and open the batting.

Sam Konstas has been the incumbent opener but has struggled to make the spot his own, averaging just 8.3 in the series against the West Indies, only hitting double figures in two of the six innings.

Since his phenomenal debut in the Boxing Day Test of 2024 against India, where the 20-year-old hit a flowing 60 from 65, he has hit above 20 only three times in nine innings and now has a Test average of 16.

A big century for Australia A against India A in September raised eyebrows but he has failed to build on that when returning to New South Wales, with only one half-century so far this summer.

Sam Konstas walks off the field after being dismissed attempting his preferred ramp shot.

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Most recently he was removed for 20 in the One Day Cup, attempting the ramp shot he has become so good at and getting clean bowled.

Speaking to Fox Cricket, Australia great Mike Hussey said: "If I’m being honest I really feel for the young man.

"Given the opportunity against India, played that amazing innings at the MCG that had us all gobsmacked. But we all knew that was not a sustainable way to be successful in Test match cricket.

"He’s obviously got enormous talent – but he’s still so young. He’s still trying to figure out what his best game looks like.

"[I] Just want to let this kid go and develop slowly and quietly.

"And then when he’s ready, bang! He’s going to go and burst on the scene and have a huge career, hopefully for Australia."

On-form Labuschagne hits another century

Marnus Labuschagne continued his remarkable run of form to bolster his hopes of a recall to the Australia Test team for the Ashes.

The 31-year-old was dropped from Australia's ODI squad for the three-match series against India in the summer and that extra motivation has seen him hit his stride at the perfect time.

He made it four centuries in his last five innings in domestic cricket with an impressive knock of 159 from 197 balls for Queensland in a Sheffield Shield match against South Australia.

Marnus Labuschagne of the Queensland Bulls celebrates bringing up his150 during day two of the Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and Queensland at Adelaide Oval, on October 16, 2025.

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Australia have a couple of apparent dilemmas in their batting line-up: who will open alongside Usman Khawaja and who bats at No. 3? Labuschagne can fill both of those voids.

His inclusion at his preferred No. 3 spot may seem more likely with Beau Webster currently battling an ankle injury and Cam Green back bowling again.

Where selectors think he fits best, or whether they think he has a place in the team at all remains to be seen, but Labuschagne returning to form is certainly good news for Australia.

England have 'hell of a chance' to win Ashes – Woakes

Former England all-rounder Chris Woakes says England "have a hell of a chance" of winning the Ashes on Australian soil for the first time since 2010/11.

Woakes retired shortly after sustaining a shoulder injury against India this summer, in what was his final Test.

He failed to win an Ashes Test across two tours, but believes Ben Stokes' side are in a great position to win the upcoming series.

"Going to Australia is a different beast. I'm hoping the guys can go and do a good job and we've got a great chance this time," the 36-year-old said.

"We have great depth and a great squad. The lads in the first XI, if they can stay fit and on the field we have a hell of a chance.

"Ashes cricket is played with more venom behind it but these players have played a lot of international cricket and enough to know what it's about.

"We have been building nicely over the last few years but not quite got over the line in the big series, but it doesn't get any bigger than this."

Bethell dismisses rivalry with Pope

Jacob Bethell insists there is no "rivalry" between him and Ollie Pope as both hope to be named in the No. 3 slot for the Ashes.

Pope was preferred in the role over Bethell for this summer's series draw against India, but the latter has been vying for the slot, and became England’s youngest men’s captain when he led last month’s T20 series in Ireland.

"Me and Popey get on great, I wouldn't really call it a rivalry – there's a lot of talk of outside noise but it doesn't really filter into the camp," Bethell said.

"I get on really well with Popey, we practise really well together. He's obviously the batter in contention for that No. 3 spot. He's got that spot and he's done unbelievably well.

"That team is pretty special at the minute so if I get a chance I will be looking to take it with both hands."

Cummins absence can boost England hopes – Brook

This is what Harry Brook had to say following the news that Pat Cummins could miss parts of the Ashes series, including the opener.

"Obviously, he is an amazing bowler and has been for many years; he bowls at high pace with high skill," he said. "With him out of their side for the first game, from [the reports] we’ve seen, hopefully that plays into our hands.

"But they have a hell of a lot of good, quick bowlers out there. Guys who can come into the side and, when their tails are up, they can plough through teams.

"So we can’t take anybody lightly."

Cummins a major doubt for Ashes opener

Local media in Australia are reporting that home captain Pat Cummins will miss the Ashes opener in Perth – and could even be a doubt for the entire series.

The 32-year-old has reportedly been battling a lumbar bone stress in his back and has not featured since July.

He vowed to throw everything into his rehabilitation to make sure he was fit for the Ashes, declaring he would be "aggressive" and "take risks".

However, according to Australian outlet The Age, a scan last week revealed the stress "hot spot" was healing but not enough for him to return to bowling.

Cricket Australia has yet to give any official confirmation on Cummins, but he will be a huge loss for the hosts however much of the series he ends up missing.

Langer: Cummins still optimistic

Writing in his column in The West Australian, former Australian opening batter Justin Langer revealed Cummins remains hopeful of featuring in the five-Test series.

"Speaking to Pat today, he is still optimistic of playing a key role in this Ashes series," Langer wrote.

"Australian cricket has spent millions of dollars researching stress fractures in fast bowlers and team management will therefore follow elite rehabilitation processes to get the captain back on the park.

"In his mind, nothing has changed since he was first diagnosed following Australia’s Test tour to the West Indies in July.

"He, like other close observers of the captain’s progress, was surprised by today’s headlines that he might be out of the whole series.

"He remains optimistic and will do everything possible to be ready."

Highlights: Cox stars as England win T20I series in Ireland

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Starc: Cummins 'doesn't need much' prep

Fellow Australia seamer Mitchell Starc backs his captain to have a heavy involvement in the Ashes series and insists Cummins does not need much time to get up to speed.

The 35-year-old, who is returning to the Big Bash League this season for the first time in 11 years, told ESPN CricInfo: "Playing with Pat and being close with Pat, he doesn't need much.

"Whether he bowls three warm-up balls and the first over [of] the game, he's on the money, he just knows when to switch on or how to switch on really quickly.

"So what it looks like for him in his prep, it's going to be certainly different to what mine feels and looks like, and that comes with experience and age.

"He's in good spirits, he's ultra-positive as always, and there's still some weeks to go before we get to Perth for the Test prep.

"We'll see where that lands, hopefully we see a lot of him through the summer, and we'll see where we get to in Perth."

Root: No-one will remember digs aimed at me

Joe Root says he is not worried about recent Ashes digs that have been aimed at him, insisting all that will be remembered is the scoreline.

Back in August, David Warner said Root will "need to take the surfboard off his front leg" if England are to have a chance Down Under, referencing Root’s apparent tendency to be caught out lbw a lot.

Former Australia head coach Darren Lehman has previously said the 34-year-old cannot be considered an "all-time great" without scoring a century in Australia, while last month Greg Blewett left Root out of an all-time England XI.

But Root appears unflustered by it all.

"They are going to say what they want to say anyway so why bother worrying about it," he told BBC Sport. "It doesn't make a huge amount of difference.

"When we look back in five years' time no-one is going to remember what Matthew Hayden said to me, Greg Blewett, Mark Waugh, whoever it is.

"They are going to look back on the scoreline and think that is a historic England win or not."

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