While India and England are busy fighting for the Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy, England’s Test squad is quietly planning their Ashes campaign. Cricket Australia (CA) announced that England will play only one official red-ball practice match before the first Ashes Test in Perth, lining up a three-day fixture against the England Lions at Lilac Hill from November 13–15. The Test itself begins on November 21 at Optus Stadium.
England Lions tour of Australia
Lilac Hill used to be a popular stop for touring teams in the 1990s. While most international teams now skip tour matches against local sides, England are choosing a light schedule, much like how India prepared for their Australia tour last year with only one behind-closed-doors game.
Normally, teams would play practice matches at Perth’s WACA Ground, but that venue is already booked for a Sheffield Shield match between Western Australia and Queensland from November 11–14. So, England and the Lions will use Lilac Hill, an open public ground, instead. The WACA will still be used by both squads for training sessions and net practice in the days before the first Test.
England’s fringe players won’t miss out. The England Lions will play three warm-up matches in Australia, two of which coincide with Ashes Tests, which would give squad members vital time in competitive match situations:
| Dates | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 13–15 | England vs England Lions | Lilac Hill, Perth |
| Nov 21–24 | CA XI vs England Lions | Lilac Hill, Perth |
| Dec 5–8 | Australia A vs England Lions | Allan Border Field, Brisbane |
The Dec 5–8 Lions-Australia A clash aligns with the second Ashes Test at the Gabba. England’s unselected squad members could feature, maintaining form and readiness as the series progresses.
Ashes 25/26 entire schedule
| Test Match | Dates | Venue | Start Time (IST) | Local Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Nov 21-25 | Perth Stadium | 8:00 AM IST | 10:30 AM LOCAL |
| 2nd Test (Day/Night) | Dec 4-8 | The Gabba, Brisbane | 09:30 AM IST | 02:00 PM LOCAL |
| 3rd Test | Dec 17-21 | Adelaide Oval | 5:30 AM IST | 10:30 AM LOCAL |
| 4th Test (Boxing Day) | Dec 26-30 | Melbourne Cricket Ground | 5:30 AM IST | 11:00 AM LOCAL |
| 5th Test (New Year’s) | Jan 4-8 | Sydney Cricket Ground | 5:30 AM IST | 11:00 AM LOCAL |
