England’s preparations for the 2025 Ashes may raise eyebrows, but the team’s management insists they are confident ahead of the first Test in Perth on 21 November.
After completing their one-day series in New Zealand, England will play only one warm-up match — a three-day in-house fixture against England Lions — before facing Australia. Despite criticism, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) believes this setup is sufficient.
‘No doubts over quality’
ECB performance director Ed Barney said the internal match would provide valuable preparation. “There is nothing more the lads will want than to raise their game,” Barney said. “I have no shadow of a doubt that the three-day fixture will be quality exposure.”
Former all-rounder Ian Botham recently called England’s lack of warm-ups against Australian state sides “bordering on arrogance”. Batting struggles in the New Zealand ODI series have only fuelled the debate. However, Barney stressed that modern scheduling limits options, citing the packed calendar that includes the IPL and The Hundred.
Balancing workload and readiness
England have tried to use their white-ball tour as a tune-up, increasing workloads for fast bowlers and giving batters time in the middle. While Harry Brook and Jofra Archer have shown form, Joe Root, Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith have struggled for runs.
Barney said the team is confident in its preparation, pointing to England’s recent series wins in India and Pakistan, both achieved without traditional warm-ups.
A changing approach
Historically, England played multiple first-class games before Ashes series, but time constraints have reduced opportunities. This year’s warm-up begins 13 November at Lilac Hill, featuring a Lions squad led by promising players like Rehan Ahmed and Matthew Fisher.
“The Lions is not a second team,” Barney said. “We’re supporting both the next best and future potential.”
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