Both Australia and England have named their 12 man squads with the final 11 to be confirmed at the toss of tomorrows crucial 2nd Test in Adelaide.
David Warner will play through rib pain at the Adelaide Oval after Australia put their faith in the opener to rise to the occasion of an Ashes Test.
In doubt since he was hit twice at the Gabba last week, Australia confirmed on Wednesday that Warner would play the second Test.
Jhye Richardson is the only new face for the pink-ball Test, beating out Michael Neser to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood. For parts of the week, however, it appeared Warner could join Hazlewood on the sidelines.
He did not field or bat in the second innings in Brisbane and then only faced throwdowns in Tuesday night's main net session under lights. On the odd occasion he did try to pull the ball he was in obvious discomfort, before a long talk with coach Justin Langer after his hit.
"It's one thing batting in the nets, it's a different thing when you walk out and you've got a packed crowd," captain Pat Cummins said.
"I don't think he even had painkillers or anything yesterday.
"He's played close to 90 Tests.
"I'm sure a lot of them have been played in discomfort or with things going into the game. So he'll be fine tomorrow."
Warner opted against another hit at an optional session on Wednesday. His form will be key for Australia, with Jimmy Anderson to return for England and Stuart Broad also in the 12-man squad after dominating Warner in the 2019 Ashes.
Both Broad and Anderson were named in a 12-man squad by English officials on Wednesday night, with the latter almost certain to play on Thursday.
There has been a belief all week that England has been leaning towards playing four front-line quicks, as well as allrounder Ben Stokes as he manages a knee issue. England claimed that Wood was being "rested" from the Adelaide Oval Test, but the decision will raise eyebrows.
But the tourists will at least have Anderson to lead the attack after the 39-year-old was rested from the first Test to ensure he was fit for the pink ball clash in Adelaide.
"It's something I've got used to over the last few years," Anderson said.
"Missing out the odd game to try and make sure that I stay fresh, especially through a long series.
"But to be honest, all I try and focus on is making sure my bowling is as good as it can be.
"My fitness is as good as it can be. And if a captain wants me to play then I'll be there for him."
Anderson claimed figures of 5-43 in the pink-ball Test on his last tour, giving the tourists their closest shot at a win in their last two Ashes series in Australia.
Broad was England's biggest threat in the 2019 Ashes in England, terrorising Australia's left-handers with the Dukes ball swinging around in more friendly conditions. He removed David Warner seven times in 104 balls to him during the series and finished with 23 wickets at 26.65.
"We have got to be able to bowl well in all conditions, whether the sun is out ... or it's nine o'clock at night under lights," Anderson said.
England 12-man squad for second Test:-
Joe Root (capt), Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Haseeb Hameed, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes.
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