Will Pucovski was once seen as the future of Australian cricket as he made a half-century on his Test debut against India in 2021.
Cricket Australia is negotiating with authorities and England's board over travel conditions and whether players' families can come.
Australia Test captain Tim Paine was "devastated" to hear of Will Pucovski's latest concussion but has nominated Marcus Harris to step in should the opener prove unfit for the Ashes.
'The last few days we've really been able to galvanise around him, to have some really robust discussions on where we want to take this cricket team, what we expect of him and what he expects of us.'
Australia are due to face the Afghanistan men's team in Hobart from November 27, but Cricket Australia said on Thursday they would not host the side if reports women's cricket would not be supported in the country were substantiated.
Australia captain Tim Paine said the chances of their first ever test against Afghanistan going ahead are "not looking good" with the Taliban unwilling to let women play cricket and questioned why the game's governing body had remained quiet on the issue.
While form is important, Tim Paine's hopes of retaining his spot may ultimately rest on whether selectors feel he might be a major distraction amid the pressures of an Ashes series.
All that's transpired on and off the cricket pitch on Monday.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances