Ricky pointing

Former England: Former England captain Ian Botham has criticised England’s decision to schedule only one intra-squad warm-up ahead of the Ashes, arguing that the team needs more red-ball practice in Australian conditions and time to adapt to local crowds.

With the final group of players arriving in Perth just two weeks before the first Test on November 21, England will face the Lions on Thursday in their sole preparation match before the series begins.

“Well, it’s not the way I would prepare,” he said, speaking in Melbourne on Tuesday to announce a ticket ballot for the 150th anniversary Test at the MCG in 2027.