Overview

• England’s tour schedule features a single three-day warm-up against the England Lions at Lilac Hill before the first Test on November 21 in Perth.
• Botham says the limited preparation reflects overconfidence and reduces time to adjust to heat, bounce, and hostile crowds in Australia.
• He warns fast bowlers such as Mark Wood and Jofra Archer need match overs to build resilience, arguing that bowlers do not get fit in gyms.
• Botham cautions that an early breakdown for a key quick or if Ben Stokes cannot bowl could leave England “chasing the eight-ball.”
• Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes have named a 16-player squad as England pursue a first Ashes series win in Australia since 2010-11.