Chief selector George Bailey hailed "impressive" uncapped opener Jake Weatherald as having all the right attributes after he was named on Wednesday in Australia's squad for the first Ashes test.

In-form batsman Marnus Labuschagne was recalled but young opener Sam Konstas was dropped from the 15-man squad, which will be captained by Steve Smith in the injury-enforced absence of Pat Cummins.

Should the 31-year-old Weatherald pad up against Ben Stokes's England, he will be the sixth opening partner for Usman Khawaja since David Warner retired last year.

Jake Weatherald received a well-earned present in form of a Test call-up a day after his 31st birthday 🎁

Full story: https://t.co/im4HeSIIVL#Ashes pic.twitter.com/C566Oakhl4

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 5, 2025

Previous experiments with Smith, Nathan McSweeney, Travis Head, Labuschagne and Konstas did not pan out.

Bailey would not say if Weatherald would definitely make his debut in Perth on 21 November.

"No, not confirmed in the XI," Bailey said.

"Obviously we've got 14 of our 15-man squad playing round four (Sheffield Shield).

"Still some information to gather out of that. Cameron Green being one, returning to the bowling crease, that'd be good."

Allrounder Green has been playing only as a batsman since his return mid-year following back surgery 13 months ago.

He has bowled just a handful of overs this season.

Should he be able to demonstrate he can handle sufficient workload to support the pace attack, Green will likely drop to bat at six with Weatherald opening.

In that scenario Labuschagne, who is back after being dropped for the previous test series against the West Indies, would come in at his preferred No 3 having blasted five centuries in eight innings this season.

If Green is still struggling, then Labuschagne would potentially open alongside Khawaja with Green at three and Beau Webster retaining his spot at six.

RENSHAW LEFT OUT

The left-hander Weatherald has been a top-performing opener in domestic ranks over the past few years.

He put himself on the Ashes radar by clobbering 183 for Australia A during a red-ball series against Sri Lanka A in Darwin this year, with his form continuing in the Sheffield Shield for Tasmania.

"I think if you look at his performance over 18 to 24 months it's been really solid," Bailey said.

"He scores at a good rate. The way he goes about building his innings, it's been impressive."

Weatherald's inclusion meant disappointment for Matt Renshaw, who had been tipped to get the nod as Konstas has struggled for form.

Smith takes charge because Cummins, who will travel with the squad to Perth, has not played since picking up a lower back injury against the West Indies more than three months ago.

The squad is in for the first #Ashes Test, but who would you have in the XI?

Read more: https://t.co/rZFeWdALi2 pic.twitter.com/jIsLsEoQ4U

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 5, 2025

The day-night second test in Brisbane from December 4 is a tentative target for Cummins to return.

The ever-reliable Scott Boland will replace Cummins in the seam attack alongside quick bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Nathan Lyon provides the spin option in his 140th test, where he can surpass Glenn McGrath to become the sixth-highest wicket-taker in history by claiming two more victims.

Uncapped Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott were included as the back-up fast bowlers and Josh Inglis will provide cover for wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

AGEING SIDE

Australia are an ageing side, with former skipper Steve Waugh saying: "The bowlers are in their 30s and some of the batsmen are getting on as well."

Bailey said in response: "I'm interested as to when people have that view, would they like us to leave Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc out, is it just because of their age?.

"I think you have to have respect that these guys work incredibly hard to play test cricket."

Following Perth, the five-test series moves to Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.

England drew 2-2 on home turf in the most recent Ashes series in 2023, but have not won in Australia since 2010-2011.

Australia squad:

Steve Smith (capt), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster

England are banking on their rapid bowling attack as they look to end their Ashes drought in Australia, with fast bowler Mark Wood saying the squad has a "different feel" to previous unsuccessful trips Down Under.

England last won the Ashes in 2015 and have not won a series in Australia since 2011, losing their last three tours by margins of 5-0, 4-0 and 4-0.

Their last series defeat in Australia in 2022 led to an extensive review and shake-up of team leadership, resulting in the appointments of coach Brendon McCullum and red-ball captain Ben Stokes as well as a marked shift in playing style.

"I can truly say there's a quiet confidence within the group," Wood told the Guardian in an interview published on Monday. "It's a different feel this time. Last time we had Covid-19 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."

England head into the series with arguably their quickest fast-bowling line-up in years, featuring Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse.

Their last series victory in Australia was also built on a strong bowling attack, which boasted James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Steve Finn and Chris Tremlett.

Wood said England had taken a page out of Australia's playbook with their approach.

"It's about having a collection of bowlers who can come in if anyone needs resting or there are injuries," he added.

"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."

Wood, who was one of England's standout bowlers in the 2021-22 series when he claimed 17 wickets, has been sidelined since February due to a knee injury.

"I've obviously had a poor and strange summer. I could have played at the back end of the season, for Durham, but England took a more cautious approach," the 35-year-old said.

"As long as I feel I'm contributing, and my body's good, I'd love to keep going."

The five-match Ashes series begins in Perth on 21 November.

Australia's Marnus Labuschagne slammed a fifth century in eight innings, firing an ominous warning shot ahead of the Ashes with some of the richest form of his life.

The Queensland captain was dropped ahead of Australia's mid-year test tour of the West Indies after an extended lean spell.

But he has come roaring back, hitting 101 from 111 balls against New South Wales in a one-day game at Sydney on Monday.

It was the 31-year-old's third hundred this season in the 50-over format, to go with two in the red-ball Sheffield Shield.

"The only one I can think of is probably 2019 at Glamorgan as a period of time," Labuschagne told reporters when asked if this period was his best ever run of form.

"But probably not across both formats.

"With both formats I feel like my batting is in a really nice place, just trusting my skills and trusting myself out there ... It's all coming together."

Labuschagne's stunning run makes him an almost certain starter in the first test against England at Perth on 21 November, but at what position he bats remains to be seen.

All his recent runs have come at No 3, but with Australia struggling to lock in a partner for Usman Khawaja at the top he is also a candidate to open.

Australia are expected to name their Ashes squad this week.

Should Labuschagne open, then Cameron Green would likely stay at three ahead of Steve Smith and Travis Head with allrounder Beau Webster retaining his place at six.

If Australia opt for a specialist opener – with Matt Renshaw, Sam Konstas and Jake Weatherald in contention – then Green is expected to drop to six and Webster will miss out.

"I'm prepared either way. It doesn't concern me where I'm batting," said Labuschagne, who has 11 test centuries.

"The important thing is my process and trying to be consistent. That's what's important."

England drew 2-2 at home in the most recent Ashes series in 2023, but have not won in Australia since 2010/2011.

Their preparations have been far from ideal, crashing 3-0 in a just-concluded one-day series against New Zealand.

The defeats featured a litany of batting failures by the likes of Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith and Jacob Bethell.

They have just one red-ball lead-up game before the first Ashes test, against an England A side in Perth next week.

Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey remembers a hostile reception from English crowds after stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's during the 2023 Ashes and hopes home fans can drown out the taunts of the Barmy Army in the coming series.

Carey sparked a 'Spirit of Cricket' row when he threw down the stumps as Bairstow left his crease at the end of an over on the final day of the second test at the game's spiritual home.

Australia's players were subjected to abuse from MCC members in the stadium's Long Room, while incensed England coach Brendon McCullum questioned the visitors' sportsmanship.

More than two years on from the incident, Carey said he was expecting some reminders from England's travelling fans during the five-test series which starts in Perth from November 21.

"It's going to be exciting ... the Barmy Army, I think I've seen a few chants come through already, which is great," he told reporters in Adelaide on Tuesday.

"That sort of stuff just, it's in the history of the game, it will get spoken about forever.

"But as a player and as a playing group, you want to be in those big moments.

"I experienced it over in England so hopefully the Australian crowd can sort of block out some of that noise - and we have more fans here for Australia than England."

Australia won the Lord's test to take a 2-0 lead and ended up retaining the urn despite losing two of the last three matches.

Carey was a target of jeering fans for the rest of the series after Lord's but said he was comfortable with his part in Ashes history.

"It's part of the game," he said.

"We love it, it's sports - totally understand there's heroes and villains. That's what Ashes cricket is all about."

Injured Australia captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Ashes test against England in Perth next month, head coach Andrew McDonald said on Monday.

McDonald said Cummins had "run out of time" as he recovers from a lower back injury, and that veteran batter Steve Smith would lead the side in his absence.

Australia are clinging to hope the pace spearhead will be ready for the second match of the Five-test series.

"We've grappled with it for a little while, and the nature of the injury is that you grapple with it day-by-day," McDonald told reporters.

"We're really optimistic and hopeful for the second test match.

"He'll be back bowling this week, that's a huge step."

But McDonald conceded Australia were unable to give a firm timeframe for Cummins' return.

The 32-year-old has not played since picking up a lower back injury in a test match against the West Indies in July.

McDonald said Australia were "incredibly fortunate" to call on the experienced Smith in Cummins' absence.

Australia captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Ashes test against England next month due to a back injury 🤕 pic.twitter.com/Y6Y7C8wOXq

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) October 27, 2025

Scott Boland looms as the likely replacement, joining fellow quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

"Losing your captain is not ideal, but when you're talking about Scott Boland as a potential replacement – it's not a bad position to be in," McDonald said.

Cummins' race to prove his fitness has become a major storyline leading up to the first test, starting in Perth on 21 November.

"I'm still doing a bit of gym and keeping things kicking over, but with this kind of injury, it's rest and then we'll build back and kind of work back from the Ashes," he said in September.

"Still really hopeful to be able to be part of the Ashes. But it is a little bit of a wait and see."

Cummins has suffered serious back issues several times over the years, including a flare-up in 2018 that kept him out of action for a full off-season.

Australia has announced who will replace Pat Cummins as skipper for the first #Ashes test: https://t.co/MaYUf4a6gM pic.twitter.com/dmRk2Nm0Xo

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 26, 2025

WOEFUL RECORD

England are bringing a pace-heavy attack for the series, spearheaded by Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse and Mark Wood.

Former fast bowler Stuart Broad stoked the bitter rivalry between the two sides earlier this month when he claimed Australia were fielding their weakest line-up in 15 years.

"It's probably the worst Australian team since 2010 when England last won (in Australia), and it's the best English team since 2010," Broad, now working as a pundit, told the BBC.

"It's actually not an opinion, it's fact."

But the reality remains that England have an appalling record playing in Australia.

Australia retained the Ashes in England in 2023 after the series ended in a 2-2 draw.

They beat England 4-0 at home in 2021-22 when Cummins was the leading bowler with 21 wickets at an average of 18.

The 2010-11 series, taken by the tourists 3-1, is the only Ashes in Australia since 2002-03 in which England have even won a test.

Australia paceman Scott Boland says he has nothing to prove in the upcoming Ashes, two years after being taken down in a 'Bazball' storm in the 2023 series in England.

Boland took two wickets at a cost of 231 runs across his two tests in the last Ashes, conceding nearly five runs an over in the drawn series.

It was a humbling experience for the Victorian quick who took 18 wickets on home pitches in the 2021/22 Ashes, including his unforgettable seven-wicket test debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Former England captain Michael Atherton said in a recent column in The Times that England's batters held no fear of Boland despite the bowler's fine record of 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 from his 14 tests.

However, Boland said his rough treatment in 2023 was not adding fuel for the upcoming campaign starting in Perth on November 21.

"It is not about proving anything to anyone else," he told reporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

"I believe in my own skills. I am a proud cricketer, and every time I play, I want to put out my best performance.

"There are always going to be moments where you get tested, but I am learning to manage those better.

"Even when things are not going my way, I back myself to fight back and stay in the contest."

Boland has always had to wait for his chances in a test squad boasting Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood – but the 36-year-old may be in action from day one due to a back injury to captain Cummins.

He appears in fine fettle, having taken eight wickets in Victoria's win over New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield last week.

Boland did two months of gym and rehabilitation work after the West Indies tour to be primed for the home summer and said he could see himself bowling all five tests against the English if required.

"I definitely feel as good as I have this year," he said.

"I would not be honest if I said I was not excited. Every summer I want to be in the team and playing a role.

"Even if I am the 12th man, I still want to be involved."

The nation's second Indigenous Australian to play test cricket, Boland on Tuesday helped launch a renewed partnership for the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) with the Melbourne Cricket Club and a training camp for indigenous talent at the MCG.

South Australian quick Brendan Doggett is currently the best chance to become the country's third indigenous player to break into test ranks despite recent injury troubles.

"That would be awesome," said Boland.

"You can see the skill he has. Brendan was in this (indigenous) programme five or six years ago and has progressed really well."

Steve Smith has offered to mentor embattled teammate Sam Konstas as the young opener fights for runs and his place in Australia's Ashes plans.

Despite flashes of talent, Konstas' domestic form – marked by erratic shot choices and a lack of consistent runs – has intensified debate over Australia's opening options before the five-test series against England starts in Perth on November 21.

The New South Wales batter was bowled for 20 as he attempted to ramp Victoria paceman Cameron McClure in a one-day match on Monday, reviving concerns about his shot selection.

Smith, one of Australia's finest batters in history, said Konstas had time to work out his game but he would be glad to help if the five-test opener came to him for advice.

"My door's always open, my phone's always on," Smith told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.

"Whenever he wants to chat batting, I love talking batting and I'm happy to help wherever I can."

While offering support, Smith stressed that young players must ultimately forge their own path as he had following a shaky start to his own career.

"Yeah, I assume he's talking to different people — he's got his batting coach that he works with, lots of experienced players that can share wisdom as well," Smith said.

Despite Konstas' recent struggles, Smith praised his natural ability against pace bowling.

"From what I've seen he's got so much time as a batter when he's facing fast bowling — that's something you can't really teach," Smith said.

"That's a good starting point. There are a few things he has to work on, but he's a bright talent as we've seen and he's got a bright future."

Australia's selectors doubt their ageing pacers can last a full Ashes series but Josh Hazlewood says he feels ready to take on England in all five tests.

While captain and fast-bowling teammate Pat Cummins is in doubt for at least the Perth opener on November 21, 34-year-old Hazlewood is already enjoying a good start to the home summer.

He took two wickets in both Sunday's series-opening one-day international against India in Perth and the last T20I against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui earlier this month.

"It was a nice start," he told Australian media of the India ODI.

"(My) rhythm felt good off the back of New Zealand. Everything is feeling good at the moment, a nice way to start the build (to the Ashes).

"My body feels great right now, I am very confident of getting through all five (tests) without any dramas."

A fit Hazlewood, who has 295 test wickets at an average of 24.21, is good news for the hosts, who have not lost a test to England on home soil in 15 years.

Hazlewood found the green-tinged, lively Perth Stadium pitch against India to his liking on Sunday and said he hopes to see something similar when the English arrive for the Ashes opener.

"Perth always offers some nice bounce and pace which has served us well in the past, especially with our bowlers who all offer something different," he added.

Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne said a return to basics has fueled his red-hot form in the buildup to the Ashes after losing confidence during a failed pursuit of perfection.

Labuschagne was dropped for Australia's tour of West Indies but has shrugged off the setback with four centuries in five matches for his home state Queensland.

The 31-year-old said he had been battling some "mental" demons over the last couple of years, admitting he was tinkering with his technique too much.

"There's a few technical things that I've ironed out of my game and had a bit of time to work on," he told Australian broadcaster Fox Sports.

"(I was) getting too deep into my technique and trying to be too perfect instead of just playing with what I've got - just going out there, reading the game and then using my technique to adjust to whatever they're bowling and how they're trying to attack me.

"It doesn't matter how good you are or how many runs you've scored, when you don't score runs for a while, those doubts creep in."

Labuschagne was omitted from Australia's initial squad for the one-day international series against India but earned a recall following an injury setback to allrounder Cameron Green.

Local cricket pundits have debated where the South Africa-born Queenslander should bat in the order, whether reclaiming the No 3 slot or being promoted to open with Usman Khawaja for the Ashes, which starts on November 21 in Perth.

Labuschagne was not looking too far ahead.

"(The runs) are probably a nice reminder for yourself after struggling for a couple of years that you've still got it," he said.

"I always just kept telling myself if I'm playing at my best, (selection) takes care of itself."

England fast bowler Mark Wood is "quietly confident" he will be fit for the Ashes opener against Australia next month after being sidelined since February due to a knee injury.

The 35-year-old underwent surgery in March and was ruled out for the summer but was included in England's 16-man Ashes squad named last month.

Wood was one of England's standout bowlers in the 2021-22 Ashes, claiming 17 wickets. England last won the Ashes in 2015, while their last series victory in Australia coming in 2011.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood told the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times when you think that you're just about ready to play, it was not just quite there.

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there ...

"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).

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

The five-match Ashes begins in Perth on November 21.

Major doubts over Pat Cummins' fitness and a void at the top of the Australian order has sparked bravado from England six weeks out from the Ashes but David Warner, at least, is having none of it.

Former fast bowler Stuart Broad lit the fuse this week by claiming England's oldest rivals have their weakest side in 15 years.

"It's probably the worst Australian team since 2010 when England last won (in Australia), and it's the best English team since 2010," Broad, now working as a pundit, told the BBC.

"It's actually not an opinion, it's fact."

His provocative comments came on the back of opener Zak Crawley claiming the term Bazball "winds" Australia up and Joe Root suggesting the five-test series was the best chance to snap his record of never blasting a century Down Under.

England are bringing a powerful squad with a cartel of dangerous quicks spearheaded by Mark Wood and Jofra Archer, while Root, Crawley and Harry Brook lead a batting line-up with plenty of depth.

But the reality for Ben Stokes's men is they have an appalling record in Australia and the taunts will mean little when hostilities begin on November 21 at the first test in Perth.

England have not won the Ashes in Australia since 2010/11, when Broad was part of a squad that triumphed 3-1. The last three trips have yielded one-sided scorelines of 5-0, 4-0 and 4-0.

Retired Australian opener Warner this week predicted another Australia rout, with only the weather preventing a 5-0 whitewash.

"I think 4-0, there's going to be a washout somewhere, generally Sydney," he told reporters, although Warner tempered his confidence amid worries about skipper Cummins.

"I think it's going to be a great series, depending on the captain, if the captain doesn't play I think they might win one game."

OPENING VOID

Pace spearhead Cummins has not played since a back injury against the West Indies in July and the clock is ticking.

He admits it is "probably less likely than likely" that he will play in Perth, with concerns that his absence could drag on even longer.

Should he miss the first test, Scott Boland will almost certainly step in and lead the attack with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, while Steve Smith would be skipper.

Who fills the role as back-up paceman remains to be seen, although coach Andrew McDonald recently nominated Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser and Sean Abbott as candidates.

"I feel like we've got some good options if we do get stretched, which is one of the great things of domestic cricket in Australia," he said of the bowling stocks.

Of more pressing concern is who will open alongside Usman Khawaja, with no-one stepping up to fill Warner's shoes since he retired nearly two years ago.

Marnus Labuschagne, who was dropped ahead of Australia's recent test campaign in the West Indies, has started his build-up with three hundreds in four matches for Queensland.

But Warner feels he is better suited at three, a position he occupied until being promoted to opener for June's losing World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's.

"When someone’s averaging 50 in test cricket you've probably got to go back to that," said Warner. "I wouldn’t like to see him open," he added. "I'd like him to shuffle back down to three."

Allrounder Cameron Green most recently batted at first drop and would have to shift back to six in place of Beau Webster if Labuschagne is picked for the role.

That still leaves a chasm at the top with young gun Sam Konstas and the more experienced Matt Renshaw seen as leading the race.

Former captain Greg Chappell said Renshaw – Khawaja's opening partner at Queensland – was a safer bet.

"The two are domestic opening partners and the established synergy between them is of the sort that has historically been a hallmark of the best Ashes opening pairs," he wrote for the website cricinfo.

"This weighs heavily in Renshaw's favour."

England bowling great Stuart Broad says Australia has their "worst" team since 2010 as a war of words intensifies ahead of the Ashes series.

The retired paceman was responding to the prediction of former Australia batter David Warner that the visitors would lose the five-match test series, which starts next month, 4-0.

England, now led by allrounder Ben Stokes, have not won the Ashes in Australia since 2010/11, when Broad was part of a squad that triumphed 3-1.

Since then they have a shocking record Down Under, losing 13 and drawing two of their tests against their oldest rivals.

"It's very, very difficult to win in Australia as an England side, or any side – it just is," Broad told the BBC podcast For the Love of Cricket.

"Australia have to be massive favourites. The question really was 'Which team's under the most pressure?' Well, Australia are under the most pressure because they're expected to win. They're brilliant at home.

"But they've got question marks over their team and question marks over (the fitness of) captain (Pat Cummins)."

The skipper said on Monday he was "probably less likely than likely" to be fit for the first Ashes test, which starts in Perth on 21 November, but was still clinging to a shred of hope.

Cummins, 32, has not played since picking up a lower back injury in a test against the West Indies in July.

There are concerns over how Australia's ageing seam attack will negotiate a packed Ashes schedule of five tests in seven weeks as well as the team's batting frailties.

"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," said Broad, who retired in 2023.

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

He added: "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.

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

Injured Australia captain Pat Cummins said Monday that he was "probably less likely than likely" to be fit for the first Ashes test next month, but was still clinging to a shred of hope.

Pace spearhead Cummins has not played since picking up a lower back injury in a test match against the West Indies in July.

Cummins admitted time was running out to get his body ready for the opening Ashes test beginning in Perth on 21 November.

"I'd say probably less likely than likely, but still got a bit of time," Cummins told reporters, adding that he felt a "bit stiff".

Cummins said he was still two weeks away from bowling again in the nets and then it would take time to rebuild his fitness to a level where he could play a full part in a test.

"You want at least a month in the nets, getting used to it," said Cummins.

"If you're going to play a test match you want to make sure you're right to bowl 20 overs a day and you don't have to really think about it.

"I know I'm running today and running every second day, and each run is a bit longer, and then we get into bowling prep next week.

"Probably a couple of weeks to go before I'm putting on the spikes and bowling out on turf."

Australia coach Andrew McDonald said last week he was still considering whether to include Cummins in the side, even if he was a "little bit underdone" with his rehabilitation.

Australia retained the Ashes in England in 2023 after the series ended in a 2-2 draw.

They beat England 4-0 at home in 2021-22 when Cummins was the leading bowler with 21 wickets at an average of 18.

Australia is in a "tight" race to get injured captain Pat Cummins ready for the first Ashes test in November, coach Andrew McDonald admitted Friday, while insisting he was "still optimistic".

Pace spearhead Cummins has not played since picking up a lower back injury in a test against the West Indies in July.

McDonald said there was "a lot more positivity" surrounding the skipper's chances of playing in the opening test match in Perth starting November 21.

"But the reality is, we're starting to get tight in terms of the times," McDonald said.

"We're still optimistic, hopeful, but this time next week, I think we'll be in a position to get a better gauge on where he's at."

Cummins would need at least "four, four-and-a-half weeks" of bowling practice to condition his body for the rigours of Ashes cricket, McDonald said.

"One of the benefits with Patty is that he has had the ability to prepare for test matches off shortened preparations.

"So if it was to be shrunken down, we'd be very confident that he would still be able to perform in the first test."

McDonald said he would weigh up whether Cummins could be included in the side even if he was a "little bit underdone".

Australia retained the Ashes in England in 2023 after the series ended in a 2-2 draw.

They enjoyed a 4-0 sweep of England at home in 2021-22.

Cummins was the leading wicket-taker with 21 scalps at an average of 18.

With the prospect of captain Pat Cummins being fit for the Ashes receding by the day, Australia's hopes of retaining the urn may rest on managing one of the biggest shake-ups to their leadership and bowling against England in years.

A back stress injury has cast doubt on Cummins participating in the series starting on November 21 in Perth, with the paceman yet to resume bowling in his rehabilitation period.

Losing Cummins for Perth alone would require a major shift in the Australian mindset, given the 32-year-old has been ever-present since making his Ashes debut in 2017/18.

Cummins has played every series-opener and across four Ashes campaigns missed only one match, when ruled out of the 2021 Adelaide test for eating at the same restaurant as a person who tested positive for Covid-19.

That durability has seen him claim 91 English wickets at an average of 24.10, leading his regular pace colleagues Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.

With Cummins fit and firing, Australia have never lost the urn since reclaiming it in 2017.

Little wonder that the prospect of Cummins being absent from the upcoming series has raised English hopes.

"Should he be missing in Perth, it would unquestionably be bad for the series and bad for Australia, but give a huge lift to an England team looking to win their first test - never mind series - in the country for more than a decade," former England captain Michael Atherton wrote in The Times.

While Scott Boland is likely to be first in line to replace Cummins in the pace bowling unit, Cummins' absence will put the spotlight on how 35-year-old Starc and 34-year-old Hazlewood are managed throughout the five-test series.

Starc slogged through five tests against India in the last home summer but Hazlewood has not managed a full Ashes series since 2017/18 due to injuries.

Fast-bowling allrounder Cameron Green will be under pressure to ease the workload of the front-line quicks but may also need to be managed carefully as he works his way back into bowling after spinal surgery.

Vice-captain Steve Smith is in line to take the captaincy if Cummins is unfit, having stepped in for the regular skipper during the two-test series against Sri Lanka.

Though Smith was a fulltime captain prior to the Newlands ball-tampering scandal in 2018, it will be another paradigm shift for a team that has grown accustomed to Cummins' calm leadership during their rise to the summit of test cricket.

Cummins said last week his latest scan on his back showed the injury was lingering and he would need to be careful.

Cricket Australia said no decisions have been made on his availability for the Ashes.

Starc on Thursday said he was unaware of the latest news on the injury but said Cummins would be able to get back up to speed quickly once cleared to resume bowling.

"I found one thing playing with Pat and being close with Pat, he doesn't need much (time)," he said.

"He just knows when to switch on or how to switch on really quickly."

Australia captain Pat Cummins has not resumed bowling after suffering a back injury and will miss the opening Ashes tests against England in Perth in late November, multiple local media outlets reported on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old fast bowler is recovering from a lower back stress injury that has troubled him since Australia's tour of the West Indies earlier this year.

The Sydney Morning Herald, citing sources, reported that back scans last week revealed the injury had not yet healed, ruling Cummins out of the Perth clash and putting in doubt his participation in all five tests in the blockbuster series. Cricket Australia said they had no update on Cummins' fitness.

If Cummins is not fit to play in Perth from November 21, former skipper Steve Smith is likely to captain the team with Scott Boland joining the pace attack.

Jacob Bethell has all the makings of a "generational talent" but Ollie Pope remains in possession of England's No 3 spot, team director Rob Key said ahead of the Ashes series in Australia.

Bethell, who turns 22 this month, became the youngest player to captain an England men's team during their Twenty20 series against Ireland in September.

Named in England's 16-man list for the five-test series in Australia, he has also been talked about as a replacement at No 3 for Pope, who has struggled for consistency and was replaced as vice-captain by Harry Brook.

"He (Bethell) becomes someone you're looking at in the far future, as potential leadership. Leaders aren't just your captain," Key said in an episode of the 'For The Love Of Cricket' podcast released on Tuesday.

"He's a really important part. He's a conduit between (Ben) Stokes and the younger generation coming through, so he can start developing in that.

"There's a lot made about him and Pope. That's going to be the story.

"At the moment, Pope is the one that's in possession of that (No 3). There's a bit of cricket for Bethel to come... He looks just one of those players that could be a generational talent, Bethel, in all formats."

Key said the left-hander had all the attributes required to be successful in the sport.

"When you watch him, he's got time. He plays well off the back foot," he added. "If you're just off, he can really put you under pressure. He's one of those players that passes the 40-second test, where you think, 'wow, this kid could be amazing.'"

The Ashes begin in Perth on 21 November.

Nathan Lyon warned England on Wednesday that they would be making a mistake if they do not play a spinner during the Ashes, with the veteran Australian sure the wickets will offer variation.

England last week unveiled a pace-heavy attack for the five-test series that gets under way in Perth on 21 November, spearheaded by five quicks.

They include Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse and Mark Wood, with captain Ben Stokes and seamer Matthew Potts offering support

Only one specialist spinner, Shoaib Bashir, was named in the 16-man squad, with allrounder Will Jacks his only back-up.

Despite the first two tests at Perth and Brisbane being traditionally bouncy wickets, off-spin great Lyon said Bashir should be involved.

"For me, you're picking a spinner in every side because the variation changes the tempo of the game," said Lyon, a veteran of 139 tests and a staple of Australia's side since 2011.

"I think a spinner can play a very effective role out here if their skill set suits.

"To be honest, (England's squad) is all pretty much what we expected. The whole squad is very attacking with fast bowlers."

Whether England opt for an all-pace attack in Perth remains to be seen, but selectors will be conscious that their spinners have frequently struggled in Australian conditions.

Lyon, in contrast, thrives on home soil, where he has bagged 268 of his 562 test wickets at an average of 31.08.

"I grew up here, I understand and built my craft around playing on wickets that don't spin," said Lyon, who will begin his Ashes preparations by captaining New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield this weekend.

"I've had to find a way to firstly survive but also create chances and build pressure along the way. It's something I thoroughly enjoyed doing and I'll keep doing that."

England are bidding to win the Ashes for the first time since 2015. They have not won a test series in Australia since 2010/11.

England managing director Rob Key has urged the tourists not to "get caught doing stupid things" on their Ashes tour of Australia.

Ben Stokes' side will lock horns with Australia over five tests, starting in Perth on November 21, bidding to win the Ashes for the first time since 2015.

England's players and coaching staff will be braced for a hostile reception from partisan Australian fans.

Having been part of an Ashes tour in 2002/03, former England batsman Key knows from experience how the pressure can lead to rash mistakes on and off the pitch.

"They have got to be smart, right?" Key, managing director for men's cricket, said on the For The Love Of Cricket podcast.

"I hope they are all listening to this, players, because it saves me sending a WhatsApp or an email and telling them, 'You have got to be smart', because when they get there they are not going to be anonymous."

England's Jonny Bairstow was accused of head-butting Australia's Cameron Bancroft in a bar in Perth during the 2017/18 Ashes tour.

At the same venue, Ben Duckett, then of the England Lions, earned headlines by pouring a drink over England bowler James Anderson.

Key is also keen to ensure England have the right attitude on the pitch at all times.

"I remember in 2002, Nasser Hussain doing the first press conference saying, 'We have got to catch all our catches, we can't afford to be having to make 15, 20 opportunities an innings', which is absolutely right.

"The next day at practice, the West Australian newspaper had pictures of John Crawley dropping a catch.

"Our players need to be smart and not get caught doing stupid things and just be aware that this is going to potentially be one of the best series of all time.

"It is going to be compelling viewing and with that comes an interest that is great for the game."

Australia retained the Ashes after drawing 2-2 with England in 2023.

England have not won an Ashes series in Australia since 2010/11, losing 13 and drawing two of the tests Down Under since then.

Ben Stokes was named as England captain for the Ashes tour as the squad was announced on Tuesday for five tests in Australia.

Allrounder Stokes missed the final test against India at The Oval, which started on July 31, with a shoulder injury.

But England chiefs said he "remains on track to be available for the start of the test series" against arch rivals Australia, which starts in November.

Harry Brook has been confirmed as England's vice-captain, replacing Ollie Pope, who is in the 16-man squad as a batter.

Durham fast bowler Mark Wood returns after his recovery from a left knee injury, while Somerset spinner Shoaib Bashir is available again following a finger injury.

Durham seamer Matthew Potts and Surrey batting allrounder Will Jacks are both included.

Potts last featured in December 2024 against New Zealand, while Jacks won his most recent test cap in December 2022 against Pakistan.

England drew 2-2 with Australia on home turf in the most recent Ashes series, in 2023, but have not won Down Under since 2010/2011.

The first test starts in Perth on November 21, with further matches in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.

England also named squads for a white-ball tour of New Zealand before the Ashes, including three T20s and three one-day internationals.

ENGLAND ASHES SQUAD

Ben Stokes (capt), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wkt), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood