Ian Botham fires new salvo at England’s lack of Ashes preparations

Ian Botham has again criticised England’s Ashes preparations, while saying Australia’s delayed decision on an opener for the Perth Test plays into the tourists’ hands. Photograph: Joel Carrett/EPA

Ian Botham has launched a fresh broadside at the decision by England to arrange just a single intra-squad match before the start of the Ashes, saying the tourists need more red ball practice in Australia and time to get used to local crowds.

The last group of England’s players only arrived in Perth on Sunday, less than two weeks before the start of the first Test on 21 November. England will play the Lions on Thursday in their only Ashes warm-up.