‘It’s The Way Of Modern Game’: Trescothick Defends Team’s Minimal Preps Ahead Of Ashes Opener

‘It’s the way of modern game’: Trescothick defends team’s minimal preps ahead of Ashes opener (Image Source: IANS)

After Ian Botham: England batting coach Marcus Trescothick has defended the team’s minimal preparation for the upcoming Ashes series, stating that not engaging in several warm-up matches against local teams reflects the current norms of the modern game.

Over the past week, tourists have gradually arrived in Perth, with their full squad, including several players returning from a limited-overs tour of New Zealand, coming together for a training session that lasted over two hours at Lilac Hill in Perth’s eastern suburbs on Tuesday.

They will begin a three-day match against their ‘A’ side, the England Lions, at the venue from Thursday. However, unlike in 2013 and 2017, their preparation for the first Test of the series will not feature a game against a WA side.

After Ian Botham voiced concern about their preparations, stating that not playing at least one game against a state team “borders on arrogance”, Trescothick stated that there are no worries about whether the lower, slower conditions at Lilac Hill will sufficiently prepare them for the anticipated fast and bouncy pitch at Optus Stadium for the Ashes opener on November 21.

They will begin a three-day match against their ‘A’ side, the England Lions, at the venue from Thursday. However, unlike in 2013 and 2017, their preparation for the first Test of the series will not feature a game against a WA side.

Since appointing Brendon McCullum as coach and Ben Stokes as captain in 2022, England have experienced a remarkable transformation in their Test cricket, embracing an aggressive style known as ‘Bazball’ in honour of their New Zealander mentor.

Article Source: IANS