The Ashes: Why are England only playing one warm-up match?

England will play just one friendly down under before the start of the 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia.

The only planned match is a three-day friendly against England Lions – effectively the reserve or development side.

“There is nothing the lads will want more than to raise their game as far as it has ever been, put batters under pressure, put bowlers under pressure,” said Ed Barney, whose role as England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) performance director covers the Lions programme.

“I have no shadow of a doubt that the three-day fixture will be a quality exposure that will continue to aid England in their preparation.”

England coach Brendon McCullum has previously approached away Test series in this manner.

All five tours under the New Zealander and captain Ben Stokes have either had one or no warm-up. They all resulted in first Test victories and concluded with two series wins, two defeats and a draw in New Zealand.

Part of England’s approach can be explained by their history of playing weakened opposition before Ashes tours on pitches that have significantly differed to the conditions on offer in the opening Test.

England opted for a similar tactic ahead of the 2021-22 series down under with two friendlies against the Lions, which they went on to lose 4-0.

England have not played an away friendly against an Australian team since the build-up to the 2017-18 series, which England also lost 4-0.

Like that visit, England’s 2013-14 tour included four friendlies against Australian sides, one of which was a mid-series friendly. England were beaten 5-0.

In 2010-11, England played two three-day friendlies and one four-day warm-up match. That series ended in a famous 3-1 series victory for the tourists.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything team.

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