Following a significant defeat in the opening Ashes Test, the England cricket team has altered its preparation schedule. The squad will now undertake extra training sessions ahead of the second Test in Brisbane, which begins next week.
Instead of participating in a scheduled warm-up match, the players will use the additional time for focused net sessions. The practice will begin this weekend and will include specific evening sessions. These are designed to help the team adjust to the unique conditions of day-night cricket, particularly the challenge of facing the pink ball under floodlights.
This change also allows the squad more time to become accustomed to the local climate in Brisbane, where high humidity and recent storm activity present further playing challenges.
Meanwhile, the Australian squad may receive a significant boost ahead of the next match. There is increasing speculation that captain Pat Cummins could be declared fit and added to the team. Cummins has been sidelined with a back injury since July but has recently resumed bowling in training. His potential return would strengthen an Australian side already leading the series and with a formidable historical record at the upcoming venue.
The final decision on Australia’s squad, including the fitness of other players, is expected imminently. England’s revised training plan underscores their urgent need to improve performance after a difficult start to the series.