Former versatile England Ian Botham publicly criticized the English approach to the upcoming Ashes series in Australia and expressed concerns about the team’s decision to play only one warm -up game before the start of the competition for five tests.
Botham, the veteran of English winning tours Ashes in the 70s and 80s, strongly questioned the strategy of team preparation. England will have only one three -day warm -up match against the English lions on Lilac Hill before facing Australia. “I’m afraid. We’ll do and have a small game with the” A “team,” Botham said on a podcast “The Old Boys, New Balls”. He continued, “Okay, buddy, how are you? Good for you” and we go and get off? Not one (state match) that borders on arrogance. You have to have a chance. We say we play too much cricket … I don’t think you play enough. ”
Botham also said he was afraid that the Brendon McCullum party did not give enough time to adapt to the Australian conditions. He pointed to the hard environment to face England and emphasizes factors that historically questioned foreign teams that tour on Australia. Botham quoted heat, hard, bouncy playground and passionate local crowds. “You don’t play against the Australian cricket team, you play against Australia – 24.5 million people,” he said.
England coach Brendon McCullum And Captain Ben Stokes chose a 16-player for the series, starting on November 21. England aims to win ashes for the first time since 2015 and secure its first victory in Australia in Australia since 2011. Botham critics come when the team is preparing to interrupt a long court on Australian land.
In addition to planning Botham expressed concern England’s Fitness Management, especially for PACE PACE. He criticized the relying on work in the gym and emphasized the recurring problems of injuries between key pitch. “Bowlers don’t fit into the gym, it has been proven,” he said. “Look at the record with injury – (Mark) Wood, (Jofra) Archer, Stokes, Brydon Cars … don’t play enough.
Since England is trying to quickly adapt and manage fitness challenges, Botham’s comments emphasize the importance of preparing against an impressive opponent. Emphasis remains on whether one warm -up match and current fitness routines are enough to overcome the problems of the Ashes series.
– ends
Published:
Amar Pancker
Published on:
October 14, 2025
