England have increased their training schedule in Brisbane after being thrashed inside two days in the first Ashes Test. The team, beaten heavily in Perth, will now undergo five days of preparation before the day-night match at the Gabba next Thursday.
Extended Build-Up in Brisbane
England normally train for two or three days before a Test, but the support staff have agreed to stretch the build-up—one of the longest in the Stokes-McCullum era. The initial three-day plan at the Gabba has expanded to include an extra session on Sunday and additional work at Allan Border Field on Saturday. Monday and Wednesday sessions will be held under lights.
Criticism Over Skipping Lions Match
The decision not to send any first-Test players to the England Lions’ pink-ball fixture in Canberra has been questioned by former captains Michael Vaughan and Alec Stewart. England’s poor record in day-night Tests and the 11-day gap created by the two-day defeat have intensified the scrutiny. England were bowled out twice in just 67.3 overs in Perth.
Conditions Shape England’s Call
Part of the reasoning behind avoiding Canberra is the contrast in conditions. The Manuka Oval pitch is expected to be slow and low, unlike the pace and bounce of the Gabba. Brisbane’s temperature is also significantly hotter, touching 36°C on Thursday.
Selection Questions for Hosts
Australia are set to confirm their squad soon. Pat Cummins is likely to return after a back injury, potentially replacing Steve Smith as captain. Josh Hazlewood is training but unlikely to play in Brisbane. Usman Khawaja remains doubtful after back spasms in Perth, with Josh Inglis a possible replacement after scoring a century for a CA XI.
High Stakes in Brisbane
England have not won a Test at the Gabba since 1986 and must avoid defeat to keep their Ashes hopes alive. Australia’s only loss in a day-night Test came at this venue against West Indies in January 2024. The Perth pitch used for the first Test has been rated “very good” by the ICC after the first two-day Ashes match in over a century.
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