England’s predicted starting eleven for the first Ashes test in Perth

England’s predicted starting eleven for the first Ashes test in Perth originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

England’s selection panel faces crucial decisions this week as they finalise the starting eleven for the first Ashes Test against Australia in Perth, starting November 21st.

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With Pat Cummins ruled out of the opener, Steve Smith steps up to lead the hosts. Ben Stokes’s side is expected to field an aggressive lineup, blending proven Test performers with dynamic, in-form quicks.

The selection choices reflect the management’s commitment to pace-friendly options and a clear structure in the top six batting order.

Predicted starting XI for Perth Test

Zak Crawley

Ben Duckett

Ollie Pope

Joe Root

Harry Brook

Ben Stokes (C)

Jamie Smith (Wk)

Will Jacks

Gus Atkinson

Jofra Archer

Mark Wood

Selection rationale: Balance and pace battery

The Batting Order Confirmation

The openers appear set, with Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley set to continue.

The major debate remains at number three, where Ollie Pope’s patchy form is under threat from the young Jacob Bethell, but the management is expected to back the experienced Pope for now.

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Joe Root and Harry Brook are immovable at four and five in the batting order, and England will be hoping they both score big this winter.

Jamie Smith will keep wickets, and Ben Stokes, though fit to captain, is likely to manage his bowling workload carefully.

(getty)

The Pace-Heavy Attack

With the Perth pitch historically favouring seamers, England is poised to unleash an aggressive, pace-dominant attack.

The bowling unit looks stacked with firepower.

The trio of Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Gus Atkinson are central, with Ben Stokes back fit again to play a major role with the ball.

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Atkinson will bring accuracy after his near-perfect first two years of test cricket.

Whereas Archer and Wood will bring all-out pace and bounce to blow the unsettled Australian top order away.

Spin Coverage

Despite Shoaib Bashir playing as England's spinner for the last 2 years, Perth is not expected to have a lot of spin overs bowled.

Therefore, using Will Jacks as the spin option could be a smart choice, as he will strengthen the batting order up, as well as being able to hold down an end if required.

The team will also have Joe Root as a spin option if required.

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