Star-studded Sheffield Shield Round Launches Final Ashes Preparation
In the upcoming week, Australia's Ashes squad will enjoy a rare advantage of hosting a home series with record-breaking crowds and extensive warm-up opportunities. All players except Usman Khawaja will participate in Sheffield Shield matches at the SCG, WACA, and Bellerive Oval.
Meanwhile, England will conduct a three-day intra-squad match at Perth's Lilac Hill, a ground yet to host a men's international fixture. Former England captain Michael Vaughan recently questioned England's preparation, highlighting the stark contrast between Lilac Hill’s conditions and those at Optus Stadium.
"England can prepare however they want to prepare," said Nathan Lyon. "I am not worried about how they're preparing or anything to do with them until the morning of November 21."
England's approach is consistent with recent tours, where demanding schedules have eliminated meaningful warm-up games. For example, during Australia's 2023 tour to England, they played no warm-ups before the Test Championship final but still won it and their first two Ashes matches.
Key Points
- Australia's Ashes squad mostly playing Sheffield Shield games this week.
- England holding an intra-squad match at a venue new to internationals.
- Concerns raised about England’s preparation conditions.
- Nathan Lyon confident about focusing only on the series start.
- Past tours reflect limited warm-up opportunities for both teams.
Summary: Australia maximizes home-ground advantage in final warm-ups, while England's unconventional preparation continues amid questions about readiness ahead of the Ashes.
More News
- Canucks Live: Hughes to Philly? | Sherwood to Habs? | Hang the moral victory banner after loss to the Avs
- Tiger Woods shares rare insights on 16-year-old son Charlie’s progress as a rising golfer
- I was 16 when I collapsed and nearly died playing in front of a crowd including my mum
- East Bengal Face FC Goa In Super Cup Final
- Erika Kirk rejects gun violence root cause argument
- India vs Germany in Jr. Hockey WC semis; East Bengal vs FC Goa in Super Cup final: Indian Sports LIVE, December 7
- Mediterranean restaurant, speakeasy to move into Spike & Charlie’s space
- Charlies - Promo de ce jeudi Attention je n'ai que 7 lots 15 ...
- Rapala x Charlie's Fishing Limited Edition Super Shadow Rap Glide 11
- Canucks fall to dead last in NHL standings