Ben brushes off England 'has-beens' criticism

Ben Stokes has dismissed 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.

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A three-day clash against England Lions XI, started at Perth's Lilac Hill outground yesterday, 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.