England Set for Only One Ashes Warm-Up Game
England will play just one official warm-up match before the Ashes series kicks off in Australia this November. The sole practice game will be a three-day red-ball fixture against the England Lions from November 13 to 15 at Lilac Hill, Perth.
This decision aligns with a modern trend of limited tour games, similar to what India followed during their last tour of Australia. The first Ashes Test begins on November 21 at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
England Lions Set for Busy Tour in Australia
While England’s main squad has just one scheduled warm-up match, the England Lions will be kept busy. Their three-match tour includes:
- Nov 13–15: England vs England Lions at Lilac Hill (Perth)
- Nov 21–24: CA XI vs England Lions at Lilac Hill (Perth)
- Dec 5–8: Australia A vs England Lions at Allan Border Field (Brisbane)
These fixtures coincide with the Ashes Tests, offering England flexibility to rotate squad players not in the starting XI. The Australia A match could also feature stronger opposition if top domestic players are released from the Sheffield Shield.
There are discussions about a possible pink-ball match in Canberra against the Prime Minister’s XI as an additional warm-up before the second Test in Brisbane, although this is yet to be confirmed.
Preparation Strategy Raises Questions
With no matches against state teams and just one public practice game, England’s preparation strategy might raise eyebrows. Lilac Hill, a ground rich in cricketing tradition, will host the only tour game open to the public, as other facilities like the WACA are tied up with Sheffield Shield matches.
Cricket Australia’s Head of Cricket Operations, Peter Roach, emphasized the importance of the Lions series, saying it would provide valuable exposure and complement a highly anticipated Ashes battle.
The Ashes 2025 promises to be fierce, and England’s minimal match practice could be a talking point once the series gets underway.
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