3 days ago
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England have delayed naming their team for Friday's opening Ashes Test in conflict with what has become their customary practice.
During the 41 matches of Brendon McCullum's tenure as head coach, they have tended to reveal their XIs in advance of matches - usually 24, but sometimes as far out as 48 hours before the toss.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, England captain Ben Stokes said that they would not be making an announcement until after Thursday's afternoon practice.
However, it now appears they could wait until the toss at the Perth Stadium before confirming which member of their 12-man squad is missing out.
Durham fast bowler Mark Wood's availability following clear scans on his hamstring injury means England made it look almost certain that England head into the match with a five-pronged seam attack, at a venue where 17 wickets tumbled on the first day of the series between Australia and India a year ago.
Durham's Wood - the fastest bowler in the world - is one of only five of the tourists who have played Test cricket in Australia before, finishing as England's leading wicket taker in the 2021-22 series.
Brendon McCullum has tended to announce his England XI 24 to 48 hours before the toss
But Ben Stokes has revealed that no announcement will be made until after Thursday's practice
However, McCullum and Stokes skirted past the pitch on their 4pm exit from the stadium and they may consider another check on the first day of a series of five matches in seven weeks, before omitting spinner Shoaib Bashir.
In contrast, Australia named two debutants Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett in their side, meaning Warwickshire all-rounder Beau Webster has been axed.
