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England's Prep For Ashes Revealed! Stokes And Co Set To Play Warm-Up Match Against Lions

Soumyajit Dutta

England to play against Lions as warm-up for Ashes [Source: AP Photos]England to play against Lions as warm-up for Ashes [Source: AP Photos]

England will contest just one official practice match before the first Ashes Test in Perth, facing the England Lions at Lilac Hill from November 13-15. Cricket Australia confirmed this fixture as part of a three-match Lions tour running alongside the main Ashes series.

England's single warm-up mirrors India's approach last year, though India's intra-squad match was held behind closed doors at the WACA.

England set to face The Lions for just one warm-up match

Notably, England may add a two-day pink-ball fixture against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra between the Perth Test and the second, day-night Test at the Gabba. This match, while unconfirmed, would serve as crucial preparation for the pink-ball conditions in Brisbane.

Schedule For England Lions Tour

Date
Teams
Opponent
Venue
November 13-15EnglandEngland LionsLilac Hill (Perth)
November 21-24CA XIEngland LionsLilac Hill (Perth)
December 5-8Australia AEngland LionsAllan Border Field (Brisbane)

These concurrent Lions matches offer England management flexibility, allowing potential involvement for Test squad members not selected in the first two XIs. While Australia's selectors might field a stronger Australia A side in Brisbane, that match also clashes with Shield cricket.

CA Welcomes The Opportunity

Peter Roach, CA's head of cricket operations and scheduling, highlighted the Lions tour's value for Australia cricket as well, while underlining the benefit the teams will get.

"The reciprocal A series against the England Lions is important for Australian cricket giving our players the chance to perform against high calibre opposition. We're confident this series will complement what should be a fiercely contested Ashes series and have strong benefits for both countries," Roach said in a statement released by Cricket Australia.

This marks the Lions' second Australian tour this year, following three red-ball matches against CA XI and Australia A in Brisbane and Sydney last January-February. Players like injured Test offspinner Shoaib Bashir and seamers Josh Tongue and Sam Cook featured prominently on that trip.