Hello and welcome to live coverage of the first one-day international between Australia and England in Perth on 13 November 2026. The defending World Cup champions hoped to shift focus from their recent Test series loss in South Africa by competing in three ODIs and five T20Is against their traditional rivals. However, the narrative has been overshadowed by events from eight and a half years prior, following the release this week of Usman Khawaja's autobiography Sabr, which has reignited discussion of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal that engulfed Australian cricket.
According to The Guardian, Australia Test captain Pat Cummins has provided extensive commentary on his recollections of the Cape Town incident, the allegations Khawaja has made in his memoir, and related developments since the book's Tuesday release. The focus on past controversies threatens to distract from what should be a crucial preparation period for both teams ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
These three 50-over matches represent Australia's final ODI fixtures for eight months, making them particularly significant in their World Cup preparations. Australia's ODI squad is captained by Mitchell Marsh, while the visitors are led by Harry Brook. The home side arrives with a relatively young squad following a 2-1 series defeat in South Africa in September, while England have their own concerns after winning just one of four matches during an ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan last month.
England hold a significant advantage in recent head-to-head competition. England won the previous ODI series in Australia 4–1, with Tom Curran taking 5–35 in the final match, which England won by 12 runs. This victory underscores the challenge facing the hosts as they attempt to regain momentum in the format.
What conditions await at Perth Stadium?
Perth Stadium presents particular challenges for batting sides. The ground's four previous men's ODIs have averaged 171 runs in the first innings, the lowest average among Australian grounds to have hosted more than one ODI. This statistic suggests that bowlers may enjoy considerable advantage, particularly early in the match, and that batting partnerships will be tested severely.
When will play begin?
The first ball will be bowled at 11.30am AWST, 2.30pm AEDT, or 3.30am BST. Toss details and confirmed team selections will be announced shortly before the start of play.
What happens next?
The second ODI is scheduled for 15 November at Adelaide Oval, followed by the third on 18 November at Bellerive Oval in Hobart. These matches will complete Australia's ODI schedule before an extended break from the 50-over format.
