Perth verdict is in, now Brisbane awaits

Ed and Corb assess Pat Cummins’ likely pink-ball return but how will Australia rotate their quicks with Hazlewood waiting in the wings and selection pressure building fast? Mitch Marsh comeback chat gets a reality check, while the pair unpack Matt Renshaw’s backing of Usman Khawaja and what it really means for Australia’s opening future.

Elsewhere, one player can now decide a Test in a single session with Travis Head showing exactly how in Perth. Is this suddenly a risk for Australia in Brisbane?

Plus: the Gabba looms as a swing-fest, the Sheffield Shield pressure gauge rises as Victoria lead, NSW wobble, and selection headaches deepen — and off the field, the financial pressure on Test cricket leaves CA heading into another uncertain summer.

Across the 2025-26 Ashes series, ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues that are dominating the cricket agenda. Whether it's Ashes results, the latest in live fixtures or you just need a hit of cricket banter, Corbin and Ed are here to keep you up to date on the game in Australia and abroad.

Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’