US EditionEngland Cricket Captain Ben Stokes Defends His Team’s Lack of Matches Ahead of the Ashes
Ben Stokes says limited warm-up matches reflect scheduling challenges and ongoing preparation efforts ahead of the five-Test Ashes series starting mid-November.
- On 12/11/2025, England captain Ben Stokes defended the limited warm-up schedule as the full England cricket team assembled in Perth less than two weeks before the November 21 Test.
- Because most Australian players were in Sheffield Shield action, Stokes said the schedule was 'jam-packed' and limited warm-up options for England, following six matches in New Zealand last month.
- Stokes added that the team's preparation has been long-term and methodical, with England's approach built over several years, while assistant coach Marcus Trescothick said modern methods have evolved.
- Critics including former players publicly questioned the lead-up, as Ian Botham and Geoffrey Boycott criticized limited warm-ups while England face losing 13 of the last 15 Tests in Australia.
- The schedule shows a Nov 13-15 Lions warm-up before the Nov 21 first Test, with England facing the Prime Minister's XI during a nine-day gap in Canberra.
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'We've done everything possible': Ben Stokes defends England's lack of warm-up games ahead of Ashes opener in Perth
Cricket News: England captain Ben Stokes defended his team's limited Ashes preparation, stating they've done \"everything possible\" despite criticism. He cited a \"j
Associated Press News
Skipper Ben Stokes defends England's preparation for the Ashes cricket series in Australia
Skipper Ben Stokes has defended England's lack of warm-up matches ahead of the first Ashes cricket test against Australia in Perth beginning next week.
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