Ian Botham has criticised England's decision to play only one intra-squad match before the Ashes, arguing the tourists need more red-ball practice in Australia. Speaking in Melbourne on Tuesday, the former England all-rounder said the limited preparation was not how he would prepare for the series, which starts on 21 November in Perth.
England's last group of players arrived in Perth on Sunday, less than two weeks before the first Test. Their only warm-up match will be against the England Lions on Thursday. In contrast, during the 2021 tour England played two intra-squad matches, and in 2017 they had four games against local sides, though they failed to win a Test in either series.
Botham, who described the lead-in as 'bordering on arrogance' in a podcast last month, emphasised the need to acclimatise to local conditions and crowds. 'You've got to remember there's 24 and a half million people you're playing against,' he said.
The discussion also turned to Australia's opening partnership. Botham said Marnus Labuschagne should remain at No.3, urging selectors to inform the chosen opener as early as possible. Former Australia captain Greg Chappell echoed the importance of a specialist opener, warning against moving a No.3 batsman like Labuschagne to open. 'Opening is a role that I think you need to want to do,' Chappell said.
Australia's squad includes specialist opener Jake Weatherald, but his place in the XI for Perth has not been confirmed. Chief selector George Bailey suggested No.3 batters could open, but Chappell disagreed, noting that greats like Ian Chappell and Ricky Ponting might not have succeeded as openers because it wasn't their passion.
