Perth preview: Two debutants for Aussies, Wood fit for England

The Ashes gets underway at Perth Stadium and it’s expected to be a brutal, fast-and-bouncy contest — the drop-in wicket has been prepared to echo the old WACA, with plenty of pace, carry, and variable bounce for quick bowlers.

Australia and England wrapped up their Ashes preparations with the home side showing their hand with a pair of debutants likely to start; Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett.

England come in with a heavily pace-weighted attack (Archer, Wood, Atkinson, Carse) while Australia must manage key absences — notably Pat Cummins — putting extra pressure on their seamers. Historically, England have struggled in Perth, particularly in Ashes openers, making this a high-stakes moment to set the tone.

Nov 2025.

Aaron Finch, Michael Clarke, Callum Ferguson and Graeme Swann add their expert comments.

Nov 2025