England’s cricket team will travel to Western Australia for a 50‑over warm‑up match against a Western Australia XI at the historic WACA ground, a step taken after the side was heavily criticised for lacking any meaningful opposition ahead of the Ashes defeat they suffered last winter. The fixture, set for 7 November, is intended to give the players a chance to acclimatise to local conditions and regain confidence before the One‑Day International (ODI) series against the host nation begins later that month. During the 2023‑24 Ashes, England’s only preparation for the Test series was an intra‑squad game at Lilac Hill, a modest club venue that offered none of the extra bounce and pace that characterise Perth’s WACA.
The lack of a genuine warm‑up was cited as a factor in England’s disastrous 4‑1 loss, which saw the first Test in Perth collapse within two days. White‑ball coach Brendon McCullum, who oversaw the side during that humbling campaign, had previously warned that the team needed proper match practice before taking on Australia again. He confirmed in September that a warm‑up match had been arranged, and the Western Australia XI will now provide the opposition on 7 November. The first official ODI will be played at Optus Stadium in Perth on 13 November, followed by fixtures in Adelaide on 15 November and Hobart on 18 November.
After the three‑match ODI series, England will shift focus to the Twenty‑20 format, contesting five T20 Internationals across Melbourne, Carrara (Gold Coast), Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra. The tour schedule therefore offers a blend of conditions – from the fast, bouncy wickets of Perth to the slower, spin‑friendly surfaces in Adelaide and Hobart – giving the English side a comprehensive preparation platform. Squad details have yet to be announced, but there are several key players whose fitness and form will be closely monitored.
All‑rounder Jacob Bethell, who missed the latter part of the English domestic season due to a knee injury and subsequent surgery, is expected to be fit for the Australian leg of the tour. His return would bolster England’s middle order and provide a versatile option in both the batting and fielding departments. Before heading to Australia, England will compete in an ODI tri‑series in Pakistan, which also involves Sri Lanka, beginning on 20 October.
That series will serve as an additional warm‑up and an opportunity to test combinations ahead of the more high‑profile matches against Australia. A notable selection surprise is the inclusion of Glamorgan’s leg‑spinner Mason Crane, who replaces the dropped Rehan Ahmed.
Crane last appeared in an international Test match during the 2017‑18 Ashes, where he recorded figures of 1‑193 from 48 overs – a tough debut that nonetheless showcased his resilience. Since then, Crane has enjoyed a standout 2026 domestic season, playing all 14 County Championship games for Hampshire, taking 34 wickets, and scoring two centuries, an uncommon double for a specialist bowler. He also claimed 15 wickets in the Vitality Blast T20 competition, underscoring his adaptability across formats.
Former England captain Michael Atherton discussed Crane’s recall on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, describing it as a "great story." He highlighted Crane’s character in his difficult Test debut, noting that the raw figures did not fully reflect the quality of his bowling. Atherton pointed out that Crane, now 29, has matured, gained valuable experience, and benefits from regular county cricket, which has helped him develop both his spin craft and his batting. "His batting has come on as well, which is not going to harm his chances at all," Atherton said.
Atherton also weighed in on the decision to drop Ahmed, suggesting that England have more promising leg‑spinners at their disposal. He argued that Ahmed is primarily a batsman who bowls leg‑spin, whereas Crane is the opposite – a genuine leg‑spinner who can also contribute with the bat. This distinction, Atherton believes, could influence England’s spin strategy not only for the Australian tour but also for the upcoming Test series in Bangladesh slated for February. In summary, England’s itinerary now includes a strategic warm‑up match at the WACA, a series of ODIs across three Australian cities, and a full T20I tour covering the country’s major venues.
The addition of Mason Crane and the hoped‑for return of Jacob Bethell aim to address the shortcomings highlighted after the Ashes loss. By exposing the squad to varied playing conditions and providing competitive match practice, the England management hopes to reverse the narrative of under‑preparation and enter the Australian series with greater confidence and readiness.