Lord Ian Botham claims England’s Ashes preparation schedule “borders on arrogance” and fears they head into the series unprepared.
Botham, who was part of two victorious tours of Australia in 1978-79 and 1986-87, impressed for his country in an era when teams enjoyed long preparations against state sides, and is concerned about what awaits Ben Stokes’ side Down Under.
They will play one three-day warm-up against the England Lions at Lilac Hill before heading out for the first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth on November 21.
He speaks in the first episode of Old boys, new balls “I’m worried. We’ll go around and have a little game with the A team,” Botham said on a podcast with England rugby union legend Sir Bill Beaumont.
(It would be) “Okay buddy, how are you?” I wish you happiness” and we will go and perform?
“No (government match) amounts to arrogance. You have to give yourself a 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 crowd, the Australian players, you have to get used to it all. You’re not playing against the Australian cricket team, you’re playing against Australia – 24.5 million people.”
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Brendon McCullum describes Ben Stokes as a ‘once in a generation’ player and details what to expect from him during the Ashes
Head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Stokes take a 16-man squad to Australia for the five-Test series, from November 21 to January 8, aiming to win back 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 managing the workload could backfire.
“Bowlers are not physically fit in gyms, that’s proven,” he said.
“Look at the injury record – (Mark) Wood, (Jofra) Archer, Ben Stokes, Braydon Carse… they’re not playing enough. You can get your fitness back by playing.”
“If things go wrong, or Mark Wood collapses in the first game, or Jofra Archer gets injured, or Ben can’t bowl, suddenly we’re chasing the eight ball before we even get going. It’s worrying.”
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Joe Root talks about his memories of The Ashes in Australia ahead of the 2025/26 series
Ashes series in Australia 2025-26🏏
All times in the UK and Ireland
- First test: Friday, November 21 – Tuesday, November 25 (2.30am) – Optus Stadium, Perth
- Second test (day/night): Thursday 4 December – Monday 8 December (4.30am) – The Gabba, Brisbane
- Third test: Wednesday, December 17 – Sunday, December 21 (12 am) – Adelaide Oval
- Fourth test: Thursday 25 December – Monday 29 December (11.30 pm) – Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Fifth test: Sunday, January 4 – Thursday, January 8 (11.30 pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground
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