England's preparation for the second Test against Australia in Brisbane is raising eyebrows after they decided to send some of their players to Canberra for a Lions game, which seems highly unlikely to impact the outcome of the match. The three players selected, Jacob Bethell, Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, did not feature in the first Test in Perth and appear to be players who need practice.
The original plan was not to send anyone for the game against the Prime Minister's XI, but it seems little has changed. Players such as Zak Crawley, Joe Root and Harry Brook will instead head to Brisbane to bat in the nets, with England's team management under Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes taking a different approach.
The decision raises questions about whether this is the right way for England to prepare for the match, given that Australia are accustomed to playing day-night Tests. Mitchell Starc is particularly effective in those conditions, but it's not impossible for England to win with proper preparation.
England's limited preparation has been a concern, and their inability to win the fifth Test against India at The Oval was a worrying sign. In Perth, they exposed some vulnerabilities in the Australia team, which could give them an advantage.
However, if England fail to put together a solid performance in Brisbane, jobs and careers will be on the line. It would be madness to write off the team after just one loss, but their preparation for this match is crucial. The pressure is mounting, and England must get it right if they want to regain the Ashes series.
The question on everyone's mind is whether this team can put together a solid performance in Brisbane and overcome the challenge posed by Australia. It will be a crucial test of their resolve and determination.
The original plan was not to send anyone for the game against the Prime Minister's XI, but it seems little has changed. Players such as Zak Crawley, Joe Root and Harry Brook will instead head to Brisbane to bat in the nets, with England's team management under Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes taking a different approach.
The decision raises questions about whether this is the right way for England to prepare for the match, given that Australia are accustomed to playing day-night Tests. Mitchell Starc is particularly effective in those conditions, but it's not impossible for England to win with proper preparation.
England's limited preparation has been a concern, and their inability to win the fifth Test against India at The Oval was a worrying sign. In Perth, they exposed some vulnerabilities in the Australia team, which could give them an advantage.
However, if England fail to put together a solid performance in Brisbane, jobs and careers will be on the line. It would be madness to write off the team after just one loss, but their preparation for this match is crucial. The pressure is mounting, and England must get it right if they want to regain the Ashes series.
The question on everyone's mind is whether this team can put together a solid performance in Brisbane and overcome the challenge posed by Australia. It will be a crucial test of their resolve and determination.