Lord Ian Botham claims England’s Ashes warm-up schedule “borders on arrogance” and worries they’ll head into the series underprepared.
Botham, who was a part of two victorious tours of Australia in 1978-79 and 1986-87, starred for his country in an era when teams enjoyed long build-ups against state sides and is worried about what awaits Ben Stokes’ squad Down Under.
They are going to play a single three-day warm-up against the travelling England Lions at Lilac Hill before walking out for the primary Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium on November 21.
Speaking on the primary episode of the Old Boys, Latest Balls Podcast with England rugby union great Sir Bill Beaumont, Botham said: “I’m frightened. We’re going to wander in and have just a little game with the ‘A’ team.
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(Mike Egerton/PA)
Arrogance
“(It can be) ‘Alright mate, how are you? Good on ya’ and we’re going to go and perform?
“Not one (state match) which borders on arrogance. You’ve got to offer yourself the possibility. They’re saying we play an excessive amount of cricket…I don’t think you play enough.
“The conditions are different whenever you play cricket in Australia: the sun, the warmth, the bounce, the group, the Aussie players, you’ve got to get used to all that.
“You’re not playing against the Australian cricket team, you’re playing against Australia – 24.5million people.”
(Mike Egerton/PA)
Worry
Botham is especially concerned in regards to the condition of the bowling attack. He suggested that a cautious approach to workload management might be counterproductive.
“Take a look at the record with injuries – (Mark) Wood, (Jofra) Archer, Ben Stokes, Brydon Carse…they don’t play enough,” he added. “You get fit by playing.
“If it goes horribly fallacious, Mark Wood breaks down in the primary game, or Jofra Archer does, or Ben can’t bowl, we’re suddenly chasing the eight-ball before we’ve began. It’s a worry.”
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