Stokes shys away from criticism from 'has-beens' before Ashes

BEN Stokes has brushed off criticism from “has-beens” over England’s Ashes preparations, insisting this week's in-house warm-up will be a full-on “balls to the wall” affair.

- By RORY DOLLARD

A three-day clash against England Lions XI, starting at Perth’s Lilac Hill outground today, represents the only tour game before the first Test on November 21, a decision which has generated plenty of heat.

Former players from both sides of the divide have had their say, with Lord Botham and Michael Vaughan among those to question the light run-in from an English perspective.

Ex-Australia opener Simon Katich joined the chorus on Wednesday, telling the West Australian newspaper the schedule was “asking for trouble”.

But England skipper Stokes gave the idea short shrift in his first public appearance of the trip.

“The next three days is balls to the wall for everyone. No easing into it. There'll be a good run out for everyone,’ he said.

“We've not been preparing for this tour over the last three weeks, we've put a lot of thought and process into this for a few years now.