England's Ashes hopes rest largely on the all-round performance of talismanic captain Ben Stokes, who took 17 wickets against India in the recent home series.
Their last eight Tests in Perth have all been defeats, with the most recent setback a bitter innings and 41-run capitulation in 2017 that saw Joe Root's team surrender the urn.
Cummins is also unlikely to feature in the first Ashes Test, starting November 21 in Perth, and in that scenario former skipper Smith will captain Australia.
England's fightback to draw the last Ashes series 2-2 is a useful reminder to Australia that they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas with a 2-0 lead this time around, Cameron Green said on Sunday.
Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid is reportedly a contender for the England Test coach position, following Brendon McCullum's removal. Dravid, known for his meticulous approach, is considered an attractive candidate despite his stated preference against full-time coaching. Other prominent names like Andy Flower and Richard Dawson are also in consideration for the role.
Cameron Green could take on a new ODI finishing role as Australia prepare for the post-Glenn Maxwell era, with coach Andrew McDonald backing the all-rounder's versatility ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Jacob Bethell scored his maiden Test century to lead an England rearguard action on the fourth day of the fifth Test on Wednesday but Australia still looked firmly set for victory.
Brendon McCullum's four-year stint as England Test coach has come to an end after the ECB decided to part ways with him.
England all-rounder Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a career defined by match-winning brilliance, iconic Ashes moments, World Cup glory, and a transformative impact on English cricket across all formats.
t Pat Cummins' side firmly on top of the WTC standings, with a perfect record after six matches in the current cycle.
Ben Stokes calls England's 4-1 Ashes loss his toughest phase as captain but vows to restore pride in the upcoming home Test summer, with ECB backing leadership.
Australia have suffered another blow ahead of the Ashes opener against England after fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out due to a hamstring injury on Saturday, further weakening their bowling attack after the loss of captain Pat Cummins.
Pat Cummins has hinted at skipping IPL 2027 as Australia's packed schedule, including a Test series in India, the Ashes and the ODI World Cup, takes priority over franchise cricket.
IMAGES from Day 5 of the 3rd Ashes Test in Adelaide on Sunday.
'We thought he'd play a huge part in the series. But really feel for him that he won't get that opportunity.'
Andy Flower has ruled himself out of contention for the vacant England Test head coach position, saying he is happy in franchise cricket and intends to remain in his current roles.
Opening batter Jake Weatherald and pace bowler Brendan Doggett will make their Test debuts for Australia in the first Ashes Test against England in Perth on Friday.
Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald has voiced his support for Cameron Green, affirming his place in the Test squad despite a less-than-stellar Ashes series. McDonald cites Green's strong domestic record and potential for growth as reasons for his continued selection.
Cameron Green and Alex Carey guided Australia to an emphatic five-wicket victory against England, to claim the series 4-1, on Day 5 of the fifth Ashes Test on Thursday.
Cummins has been sidelined with a lumbar stress injury since Australia swept West Indies in the Caribbean in July.
England has announced their 12-player squad for the first Test against New Zealand, which begins at Lord's on Thursday. The squad includes two uncapped players and sees the return of Ollie Robinson, while Zak Crawley and Jofra Archer are notable omissions.
Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins has returned to Australia for a final scan on his injured back to gain clearance for the second phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is expected to rejoin the squad on April 17 if cleared.
England captain Ben Stokes will retire from international cricket after the third Test against New Zealand, saying the demands of captaincy had burned him out after a remarkable career featuring World Cup glory and Ashes heroics.
'It is the biggest stage and it is the brightest lights. It is a series that could define teams, the people and players within it.'
Cricket Australia has decided against centralising control over Test pitch preparation, maintaining that local curators are best suited to create unique and high-quality surfaces, despite criticism following the Ashes series.
IMAGES from Day 1 of the 1st Ashes Test played in Perth on Friday.
'A couple of weeks ago, did he think he was a chance (to play in Perth)? Potentially not, he was a little bit sore. Then you flip it forward two weeks and there's a lot more positivity. We've still got a little bit to go.'
Marnus Labuschagne, who was dropped from the Test side during the tour of West Indies in June-July, has since hit three centuries in one-dayers and a couple more in Sheffield Shield for Queensland.
India's women's cricket team is set to make history by playing their first-ever Test match at Lord's against England. This follows an early exit from the T20 World Cup, allowing more preparation time. Head coach Amol Mujumdar expressed the team's excitement for this landmark occasion, highlighting the dream of playing a Test at the iconic venue. Both teams feature potential debutants, with England's Tammy Beaumont retiring after this historic match.
'I think it's a huge credit to (head coach) Andrew McDonald, the coaching staff and the medical staff that we feel like we've got a big squad that we can draw on.'
England captain Ben Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson have both been left out of the second Test against New Zealand starting next week following an investigation into an incident in a London nightclub, the ECB said on Wednesday.
England did not have their full squad in Perth until last Sunday and will play one internal match before the first Ashes Test on November 21.
While ever more hostage to Twenty20's global carve-up, cricket will take a breath from next week to indulge its most time-honoured rivalry as Australia and England battle in the Ashes.
Usman Khawaja said he was delighted to end his Test career with a victory in the fifth and final Ashes Test against England at Sydney on Thursday.
IMAGES from Day 2 of the 1st Ashes Test in Perth on Saturday.
Expect nothing less than hostility, fire and close contests as Ben Stokes' England come armed with their Bazball philosophy to try and get the better of a depleted Australia.
England coach Brendon McCullum has strongly denied any rift with Test captain Ben Stokes, calling speculation 'amusing' after Stokes' suspension for a curfew breach.
Rain washed out the final day of the fourth Ashes Test, forcing a draw which ensured England, trailing 2-1 with one match to go, cannot win the series and leaving Australia, as holders, guaranteed to return home with the Urn.
England captain Ben Stokes was forced off the field because of injury on Day 4 of the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia on Wednesday.
Ben Stokes defended England's decision to rest Jofra Archer for the opening Test against New Zealand at Lord's after the fast bowler's Indian Premier League stint, with the captain warning that mishandling such situations could drive players away from international cricket.
