England confirm 50-over warm-up fixture at the Waca before Australia tour
The England and Wales Cricket Board has scheduled a 50-over warm-up match in Perth to better prepare for their upcoming white-ball tour of Australia. This decision follows criticism regarding inadequate preparation during the previous Ashes series, leading to new agreements for better touring conditions.
Why it matters
It highlights the importance of logistical preparation in professional sports and the evolution of international cricket scheduling agreements.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, England's 50-over side began 2026 by winning in Sri Lanka and beat the same opponents and India at home this summer
England have "learned" from the mistakes of their Ashes defeat in booking a 50-over warm-up before their white-ball tour of Australia this winter, says England and Wales Cricket Board chair Richard Thompson.
Brendon McCullum's white-ball side will play a Western Australia XI at the Waca in Perth on 7 November, six days before their one-day international series begins.
The Test team were heavily criticised for only having one in-house warm-up before last winter's dismal 4-1 Ashes defeat.
"There is a lot that was learned," said Thompson.
"You have to remember these decisions are taken so far ahead.
"The reality is in those decisions, mistakes were made and we've corrected that now."
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