I admire England’s approach. I have no qualms when leaders have clear direction. The theory behind playing just one warm-up is to keep the players fresh ahead of such a gruelling series, and also control the standard of cricket in an era where the hosts have not always provided quality opposition. This sort of method has seen them get off to good starts in every away series under Stokes.
There is no exact science to preparing for a cricket tour. If there were, everyone would use it all the time.
Ben Stokes and England can’t be truly judged until the series is over.Credit: Getty Images
The truth is that I never knew if I was ready, or the team more widely. I did not know in 2005, or in any other series. There have been tours where I prepared great and played poorly. Others where I did not feel in great nick and then played well.
The simple rule for me was that I generally felt better when I had some time in the middle through a competitive, hard game of cricket. But these players are different, and it is a different world. I totally understand how much the game has changed, even in the 15 years since England last won in Australia.
I do think the Ashes is a bit different. I only played one series down here, but I enjoyed the extended build-up. I had been injured and wanted cricket in Queensland before the first Test. There is a mental drain to the series.
The bowlers need to get used to bowling on concrete slabs, day after day. In this three-day game, they will only spend a day in the field. It is not just about the overs; it is about repeating it again and again and again. At some stage in this series, Australia will take 150 overs to get a big score, and England will be bowled out cheaply and be strapping the boots on to field again.
‘They (England) have the skill, talent, leadership, and coaching … Now just deliver it.’
Michael Vaughan
Fielding is actually the main thing you cannot prepare for. It is the training of the brain for long periods where you do nothing, and then suddenly, that crucial chance comes. I love the clips of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer bowling put out by England’s social media team; they look great.
But Wood’s not played since February. I would love a clip of him standing at mid-on between spells, chasing after balls! There is also Zak Crawley, who has not played any cricket since August. He might have to wait a day and a half to bat in the first Test. That is not easy.
Only a few members of this England squad have experienced the Ashes in Australia before. They do not know the full force of what is coming for them. It is about whether they have the skill, decision-making, and durability to win, but also how they seize the moment and cope with the pressure that is unique to Ashes series.
Loading
This management’s approach is to free their minds and get them away from the pressure. It may well work. One thing I think is that of the 16 players in the squad, some will want a bit more cricket. They buy into the management’s approach, but I am sure some would like a bit more time in the middle.
It is interesting how the two camps are taking different approaches. Almost all of Australia’s players have been in Sheffield Shield action this week, a more traditional approach.
But I am sure there will have been some smiles in the England camp when Josh Hazlewood briefly became a doubt, having felt something while playing, and reserve quick Sean Abbott was ruled out having done a hamstring at the SCG, where there is an AFL outfield.
There is risk attached to playing as well, and it is a fine balance. There are guys you want to wrap in cotton wool to make sure they are ready for the big moments.
Both teams will be judged on results, and especially England at this stage in the team’s cycle. They are in the business of winning. This is this management’s second Ashes series, and fourth five-Test series.
It is not about competing, it is not about entertaining, and they cannot rue bad luck. This team have to win in Australia. They have the skill, talent, leadership, and coaching to do that. Now just deliver it.
Telegraph, London
