England wrapped up their only pre-Ashes warm-up match with a five-wicket victory over an England Lions side at Lilac Hill on Saturday. Chasing 202, England reached the target in 34.4 overs, powered by Ollie Pope's blistering 90 off 67 balls.
Pope, who scored a century in the first innings, smashed 12 fours and two sixes in a classic Bazball knock. His performances have all but secured his spot at number three for the first Test in Perth, fending off competition from Jacob Bethell.
Joe Root, who made just one in the first innings, scored 31 off 52 balls. Root has never scored a Test century in Australia, and his form will be crucial to England's Ashes hopes.
Fast bowler Mark Wood received positive news after scans cleared him of any damage to his left hamstring. Wood experienced tightness on Thursday but did not bowl on Saturday. He will train next week to prove his fitness for the first Test starting Friday.
Jofra Archer, who returned match figures of 1-66 from 17.3 overs, is a more likely option for the opening Test. Spinner Shoaib Bashir's selection hopes suffered a blow after he took 1-83 from 12 overs.
