The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is set to radically overhaul its approach to Ashes preparations after a dismal start to the current tour in Australia, with plans to secure a formal agreement for high-quality warm-up matches for future series.
A Dismal Start Under Scrutiny
England's preparations have come under intense fire following heavy defeats in the first two Tests at the Gabba in Brisbane. The tourists lost the opening match inside two days and the second in four, with Australia winning by eight wickets on both occasions. The poor performance has led to scathing criticism from legends like Ian Botham, who suggested disgruntled England fans should demand a refund from the ECB due to the team's apparent lack of readiness.
Despite much of the squad arriving in Perth by 2 November – 19 days before the first Test – their only competitive practice was a two-day game against the England Lions at Lilac Hill Park. The park's low, slow pitch was a world away from the pace and bounce they encountered at Perth Stadium just days later. Ollie Pope, who scored heavily in that warm-up, has struggled in the actual series, highlighting the mismatch in conditions.
Seeking a Formal "Memorandum of Understanding"
In response, the ECB is now in discussions with Cricket Australia to create a memorandum of understanding covering the next two Ashes series. The deal would guarantee both teams access to superior facilities and practice matches on pitches resembling those used in the Tests, with the option of facing high-class opposition.
This move is a direct reaction to England's suboptimal build-up. The team had wanted to use the traditional Waca ground in Perth for preparation, but it was booked for a Sheffield Shield match. They were initially offered a club ground in Adelaide, 1,500 miles away, before being relocated to Lilac Hill. A later offer of a pink-ball warm-up in Canberra for the Brisbane day-night Test was also dismissed as unhelpful due to dissimilar conditions.
Learning from Rivals and Looking Ahead
The ECB's push mirrors the superior preparation afforded to other touring sides. India had sole use of the Waca before their successful 2020-21 series, while Australia themselves prepared for the 2023 Ashes in England with a World Test Championship final and training at premium facilities in Beckenham.
While England's assistant coach Marcus Trescothick publicly defended the team's preparation, the board's actions speak louder. The goal for the 2027 Ashes in Australia is to offer the hosts their pick of facilities, hoping to secure reciprocal, high-standard treatment for England's return tour in 2029-30. This aims to prevent a repeat of the compromised build-up that has plagued the current campaign and drawn such fierce criticism.
