'England Ashes prep borders on arrogance'

LORD Ian Botham claims England’s Ashes warm-up schedule “borders on arrogance” and worries they will head into the series underprepared.

- BY RORY DOLLARD

Botham, who was part of two victorious tours of Australia in 1978-79 and 1986-87, starred for his country in an era when teams enjoyed long buildups against state sides and is concerned about what awaits Ben Stokes’ squad Down Under.

They will play a single three-day warm-up against the travelling England Lions at Lilac Hill before walking out for the first Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium on November 21.

Speaking on the first episode of the Old Boys, New Balls Podcast with England rugby union great Sir Bill Beaumont, Botham said: “I’m worried. We're going to wander in and have a little game with the ‘A’ team.

“(It will be] ‘Alright mate, how are you? Good on ya’ and we're going to go and perform?

“Not one [state match], which borders on arrogance. You've got to give yourself the chance. They are saying we play too much cricket...I don’t think you play enough.