Lord Ian Botham claims England’s Ashes warm-up schedule “borders on arrogance” and worries they will head into the series underprepared.
Botham, who was part of two victorious tours of Australia in 1978-79 and 1986-87, starred for his country in an era when teams enjoyed long build-ups against state sides and is concerned about what awaits Ben Stokes’ squad Down Under.
They will play a single three-day warm-up against the travelling England Lions at Lilac Hill before walking out for the first Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium on November 21.
Speaking on the first episode of the Old Boys, New Balls podcast with England rugby union great Sir Bill Beaumont, Botham said: “I’m worried. We’re going to wander in and have a little game with the ‘A’ team.
“[It will be] ‘Alright mate, how are you? Good on ya’ and we’re going to go and perform?
“Not one [state match] which borders on arrogance. You’ve got to give yourself the chance. They are saying we play too much cricket…I don’t think you play enough.
“The conditions are different when you play cricket in Australia: the sun, the heat, the bounce, the crowd, the Aussie players, you’ve got to get used to all that. You’re not playing against the Australian cricket team, you’re playing against Australia – 24.5 million people.”
Brendon McCullum describes Ben Stokes as ‘once in a generation’ and details what to expect from him during the Ashes
Head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Stokes take a 16-player squad to Australia for the five-Test series, from November 21 to January 8, with the objective of reclaiming the urn for the first time since 2015.
Botham is particularly concerned about the condition of the bowling attack, suggesting a cautious approach to workload management can be counterproductive.
“Bowlers don’t get fit in gyms, that’s been proven,” he said.
“Look at the record with injuries – [Mark] Wood, [Jofra] Archer, Ben Stokes, Brydon Carse…they don’t play enough. You get fit by playing.
“If it goes horribly wrong, Mark Wood breaks down in the first game, or Jofra Archer does, or Ben can’t bowl, we are suddenly chasing the eight-ball before we’ve started. It’s a worry.”
Joe Root speaks about his memories of The Ashes in Australia ahead of the 2025/26 series
Ashes series in Australia 2025-26🏏
All times UK and Ireland
- First Test: Friday November 21 – Tuesday November 25 (2.30am) – Optus Stadium, Perth
- Second Test (day/night): Thursday December 4 – Monday December 8 (4.30am) – The Gabba, Brisbane
- Third Test: Wednesday December 17 – Sunday December 21 (12am) – Adelaide Oval
- Fourth Test: Thursday December 25 – Monday December 29 (11.30pm) – Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Fifth Test: Sunday January 4 – Thursday January 8 (11.30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground
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