England ramps up Brisbane training ahead of Ashes day-night Test at the Gabba

England will intensify their Brisbane preparations after a chastening Perth defeat, focusing on a longer camp ahead of the Gabba day-night Test. Captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum are guiding one of the longest build-ups since they took charge, aiming to sharpen the side for the demanding conditions ahead.

Rather than sending players to the England Lions match in Canberra, the group has scheduled five days of training in and around Brisbane, including sessions at the Gabba and Allan Border Field. The extended plan reflects a strategic shift in how the squad is approaching the next Test.

The crew originally planned three days of work at the Gabba from Monday, but the schedule was boosted with a Sunday session and an extra day at Allan Border Field on Saturday. Two of the workouts, Monday and Wednesday, will be conducted under floodlights to mirror day-night conditions.

The decision not to field the first-Test XI in Canberra has sparked debate, with some arguing the Lions match would have provided valuable exposure. England, however, believes the 11-day lead-in to the second Test and the pink-ball format justify a more prolonged camp. Their Perth innings collapse—bowling out in 67.3 overs, the fewest in a loss since 1904—has intensified the focus on adaptation for Brisbane.

Two members of the likely Brisbane lineup, Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson, have not previously played a first-class pink-ball match, adding another layer to the preparation challenge.

Australia, meanwhile, could see captain Pat Cummins return after back trouble, with Josh Hazlewood also bowling in training but not guaranteed for Brisbane. If Cummins returns, he would reassume the captaincy from Steve Smith and help shape an all-pace attack, potentially at the expense of Nathan Lyon. If Lyon stays, a selection decision between Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett would follow.

Usman Khawaja’s back spasms in Perth opened the door for Josh Inglis to contribute with the bat, and the Australian medical team will decide whether Khawaja is fit to play or rests before the next match.

Meanwhile, the Perth pitch has been rated “very good” by the International Cricket Council, signaling balanced conditions that should offer a fair contest between bat and ball. The second Test at the Gabba looms as a pivotal moment as England seeks to rebalance the series after their recent setback.

Key Takeaways

• England extends Brisbane camp with additional floodlit training ahead of the Gabba Test.
• The Lions fixture debate continues to spark discussion within English cricket.
• Day-night conditions drive a longer, more targeted preparation for England.
• Australia weighsCummins’ return and Khawaja’s fitness, with Inglis ready to step in if needed.
• ICC’s "very good" pitch rating at Perth underscores a balanced contest approaching the next Test.

Expert Comment

Experts are divided on England's approach, with some former players criticising the Lions fixture while others defend the extended camp as a prudent move for day-night cricket. The overall message is that a thorough Brisbane preparation could shape the series in the coming days.

Summary

England enters the Brisbane leg trailing 0-1 after a dominant Australia display in Perth, making a strong response crucial. The Gabba’s pace and bounce, compounded by day-night conditions, require precise planning and execution from Stokes’s side. Australia’s lineup considerations, including Cummins’ potential return and Khawaja’s fitness, add to the intrigue as both teams seek momentum before the pivotal clash.

Key insight: England’s extended Brisbane camp signals a strategic shift to adapt to day-night conditions and Gabba pace as they aim to salvage the Ashes series.

Source: BBC Sport