Joe Root and Dawid Malan provided Australia with a stiff challenge on day three in Brisbane, sharing a solid century stand.
Australian captain Pat Cummins took the bold step of confirming his match lineup on Sunday, three days before the series opener.
Ben Stokes hasn't played competitive cricket since July 26, when he played for Northern Superchargers in the Hundred due to an injury.
An ECB board meeting on Friday approved the tour "subject to several critical conditions being met," regarding COVID restrictions.
Many players are hesitant to travel because their families will be unable to accompany them due to Australia's strict restrictions.
As per reports, the players have fallen out with the former Australian cricketer over his tough training regimes.
Certain England players are considering the option of opting out of the Ashes if the families are not allowed to travel Down Under.
Steve Smith has been nursing an elbow injury that forced him to pull out of the national side for the series against West Indies, Bangladesh.
As Steve Smith turns 32, let's take a look back at what many considered one of the greatest displays of batsmanship ever in a single Test series.
Melbourne and Sydney will retain their traditional Boxing Day and New Year’s slots, which is quite interesting.