England are likely to be dealt a huge blow ahead of the second Ashes Test as pacer Mark Wood is set to be ruled out of the Brisbane contest, as per ESPNcricinfo.
The Perth Stadium pitch has received the International Cricket Council's (ICC) highest rating of "very good" despite the first Ashes Test match between Australia and England ending in just two days.
Australia's star opening batter Travis Head smashed the second-fastest century in Ashes history, reaching 100 in just 69 balls on Day 2 of the first Test against England in Perth on Saturday.
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc said he always looks to bowl aggressively after claiming seven wickets on the opening day of the first Ashes Test between Australia and England.
Mitchell Starc and Ben Stokes produced historic spells on the opening day of the Ashes Test in Perth, becoming the first pair since 2005 to take five-wicket hauls on Day 1 of a Test match. Starc claimed 7-58 to bowl England out for 172, before Stokes hit back with 5-23 to leave Australia str
Australia bowled England out for 172 thanks to Mitchell Starc's career-best 7/58, but their batting collapsed in reply, ending Day 1 at 123/9 and trailing by 49. England's Harry Brook top-scored with 52, while captain Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse were the key architects in Austr
England have delayed naming their final playing 11 for the Ashes opener in Perth, keeping the decision on whether to include a spinner until Friday morning.
Australia suffered a setback ahead of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) opener as all-rounder Sean Abbott was ruled out of the Perth Test due to a hamstring injury, while pacer Josh Hazlewood has been cleared of any major damage after precautionary scans revealed no muscle strain.
Ahead of the Ashes 2025 series against Australia, England captain Ben Stokes praised pacers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood for regaining full rhythm and fitness, saying their pace and energy bring an "X-factor" to the side ahead of the upcoming Test season.