England’s preparation for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia has come under question, with legendary all-rounder Sir Ian Botham expressing serious concerns over the team’s limited warm-up schedule. Botham, who understands the intensity of the Ashes, warned that the Ben Stokes-led team could find themselves underprepared for the conditions Down Under.
Ahead of the five-Test Ashes series starting November 21 in Perth, England has chosen to play only one three-day internal match against the England Lions.
This has led Botham to question whether such minimal preparation will be sufficient to handle the Australian pitches.
Historically, England has relied on extended build-ups to acclimatise to Australia. During their last successful Ashes tour in 2010–11, they played three warm-up games before the first Test and went on to win the series 3-1. In contrast, their 2021–22 tour, where the team played only internal fixtures, ended disastrously in a 4-0 defeat. The former England captain also pointed out that while most of Australia’s Ashes squad members are currently featuring in Sheffield Shield matches, England’s players have largely come from white-ball tours and franchise cricket.
"It's not the way I would prepare," Botham said in Melbourne on Tuesday. "I think historically you have to acclimatise when you come down here. You've got to remember there's 24 million people down here, not 11. And you have to take that on board. The ball does seem to get to you quicker in Perth and the light's different. You've got the Fremantle Doctor; there's all kinds of things that go into the melting pot," he said as quoted by India Today.
However, despite his criticism, Botham remains optimistic about England’s chances if the team’s players remain fit.
"If England's bowlers can stay fit, which doesn't happen very often, and the captain can play a full part, then I think England have got a real chanceI think it's the right way. You want to be aggressive, come through, and players, if they're not playing very well, don't like it in the ribs. So, yeah, it'll be interesting," he added.
Definitely, the pitches have generally evolved: Marcus Trescothick
On the other hand, England’s assistant coach Marcus Trescothick backed the team’s preparation, insisting that the bouncy Australian pitches actually suit England’s aggressive style. Trescothick also expressed confidence in Joe Root, who has yet to score a Test century in Australia. He believes Root’s evolved game under Stokes and Brendon McCullum could be crucial in England’s campaign.
"Definitely, the pitches have generally evolved in the last few years in Australia, but you still expect them to be quick and bouncy and maybe have a bit more in it for the bowlers compared to years gone by. The way he's gone in the last couple of years will probably explain that he's comfortable with what he's trying to do at the moment and how he's playing his game. We've seen Joe grow massively in the last three seasons under McCullum and Ben Stokes in the style of play that we've had. His game has gone to the next level and hence the reason where he is in the rankings,” Trescothick said.
