In a remarkable twist ahead of a pivotal Ashes battle, the England cricket team has enlisted help from a former Australian international. Pace bowler Dan Worrall, born in Australia, joined Ben Stokes's squad for a crucial net session at the Adelaide Oval as they prepare for a do-or-die third Test.
An Unlikely Alliance in the Nets
The 34-year-old Worrall, who currently plays for Surrey, offered his services to the England and Wales Cricket Board after a request from some of his county teammates within the touring party. The bowler, who has intimate knowledge of the Adelaide pitch from his time playing Sheffield Shield cricket for South Australia, provided valuable insights and bowling during the practice.
Worrall made three one-day international appearances for Australia back in 2016, before his move to English county cricket. He joined Surrey in 2022 and has also had two separate spells with Gloucestershire, giving him a deep understanding of the English game and its players.
A Must-Win Scenario for England
The context for this unusual collaboration is the high-stakes pressure of the Ashes series. The third Test, which begins on Tuesday 16 December 2025, is a match England must win to keep their hopes of reclaiming the urn alive. Captain Ben Stokes has reportedly labelled this encounter as the most significant of his tenure since taking over the Test captaincy from Joe Root in April 2022.
England's batters, in particular, are seeking to rediscover form at the crease, and facing a bowler of Worrall's calibre and local knowledge in the nets is viewed as excellent preparation for the Australian attack awaiting them.
What This Means for the Ashes Battle
This move underscores the modern, pragmatic nature of professional sport, where allegiances can become fluid beyond international borders. While some may view it as controversial, it highlights the close-knit relationships formed in the county circuit and a shared desire for competitive preparation.
The assistance from Worrall provides England with a unique tactical advantage, offering batters a chance to fine-tune their techniques against a bowler familiar with both Australian conditions and English batting styles. Whether this unexpected net session translates into a much-needed victory for Stokes's men will be revealed when play gets underway at the Adelaide Oval.
