Ashes 2025: Archer, Pope out of Boxing Day Test
Left-handed batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been drafted into the side and will slot in at No.3, while fast bowler Gus Atkinson returns after missing the previous Test.
Left-handed batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been drafted into the side and will slot in at No.3, while fast bowler Gus Atkinson returns after missing the previous Test.
“We know that there'll be a lot of disappointed fans in England after that first defeat,” Stokes told reporters.
Stokes has long been England’s big-match player, best remembered for his heroic unbeaten 135 at Headingley during the 2019 Ashes, which secured one of the most dramatic Test victories in history.
Cummins, who had hoped to resume bowling at least four weeks before his return, has yet to start bowling as he continues recovering from the back stress injury sustained during Australia’s tour of the West Indies in June.
Initially expected to miss six to seven weeks, Stokes eased concerns over his Ashes availability by resuming net sessions with county side Durham.
His previous match had come at Headingley in 2022, when he made a match-turning 97 in partnership with Jonny Bairstow.
“I think coming down to Australia, particularly for their batters, it's going to be a big challenge. The wickets in the last three-four years have been really tricky.
While Root is winless in Tests against the Aussies away from home across 14 previous contests, it's the fact he has never scored a century on Australian shores that still concerns the 34-year-old heading into this year's tour.
Know more about Marais Erasmus, former cricketer turned international umpire officiating in all formats of the game.
The toss for the clash, which was supposed to be at 6:30pm Melbourne time, was delayed ahead of an inspection at 7.30pm local time.
