England Intensify Preparations with Extra Training After first Ashes Test Loss
BRISBANE, Australia – England’s cricket team will undertake a revised training schedule featuring extended net sessions adn practice under lights, following their eight-wicket defeat to Australia in the first Ashes Test. head coach Brendon McCullum has opted to prioritize intensive planning over sending first-team players to a two-day England lions match in Canberra this weekend, as reported on Monday.
The move signals a departure from England’s typical three-day pre-Test routine, driven by the need to adapt to the challenges of day-night cricket and the increased humidity in Brisbane, where recent electrical storms have been reported. Training begins Saturday morning at Allan Border Field, shifting to the Gabba from Sunday, with dedicated sessions under lights scheduled for monday and Wednesday to familiarize players with the pink Kookaburra ball.
This intensified preparation comes as Australia possibly prepares to bolster their squad. There is growing anticipation that Pat Cummins, recovering from a lower back issue, will be added when the team is announced on Friday. Cummins has resumed training, including bowling with a pink ball in Sydney, though Australia may choose to hold him back until the third Test in Adelaide.Usman Khawaja’s fitness remains a concern following back spasms sustained during the first Test in Perth.England has not secured a victory at the Gabba since the 1986-87 tour and currently trails 1-0 in the Ashes series.
