The Ashes 2025/26: Lord Ian Botham concerned about England’s preparation ahead of first Test against Australia | Cricket News

Lord Ian Botham says England’s Ashes warm-up schedule “borders on arrogant” and fears they are going into the series under-prepared.

Botham, who took part in two victorious tours of Australia in 1978-79 and 1986-87, played for his country at a time when teams benefited from lengthy preparations against the States and is concerned about what awaits Ben Stokes’ team in Australia.

They will play a single three-day warm-up against the away England Lions at Lilac Hill before traveling for the first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth on November 21.

Speaking on the first episode of Old boys, new balls podcast with England rugby union great Sir Bill Beaumont, Botham said: “I’m worried. We’re going to go for a walk and play a little game with the ‘A’ team.

“[It will be] “Alright buddy, how are you?” Good for you and shall we go play?

“Not one [state match] which borders on arrogance. You have to give yourself the chance. They say 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 crowds, the Australian players, you have to get used to all that. You’re not playing against the Australian cricket team, you’re playing against Australia – 24.5 million people.”

Head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Stokes are taking a 16-man squad to Australia for the five-Test series, from November 21 to January 8, in a bid to reclaim the urn for the first time since 2015.

Botham is particularly concerned about the state of the bowling attack, suggesting that a cautious approach to workload management may be counterproductive.

“Bowlers don’t get fit in gyms, that’s been proven,” he said.

“Look at the injury toll – [Mark] Drink, [Jofra] Archer, Ben Stokes, Brydon Carse… they don’t play enough. We get in shape by playing.

“If it goes horribly wrong, if Mark Wood breaks down in the first game, or if Jofra Archer breaks down, or if Ben can’t play, suddenly we’re chasing the eight ball before we’ve started. It’s worrying.”

Ashes Series in Australia 2025-26🏏

Every hour in the UK and Ireland

• First try: Friday November 21 – Tuesday November 25 (2h30) – Optus Stadium, Perth
• Second test (day/night): Thursday December 4 – Monday December 8 (4:30 a.m.) – The Gabba, Brisbane
• Third try: Wednesday December 17 – Sunday December 21 (00:00) – Adelaide Oval
• Fourth try: Thursday December 25 – Monday December 29 (11:30 p.m.) – Melbourne Cricket Ground
• Fifth test: Sunday January 4 – Thursday January 8 (11:30 p.m.) – Sydney Cricket Ground