England batters opt out of pink-ball warm-up match despite first Ashes Test failures

The Guardian – SportMonday, November 24, 2025 at 11:30:33 AM
NegativeSports
England batters opt out of pink-ball warm-up match despite first Ashes Test failures
  • England's cricket team has opted out of a pink-ball warm-up match in Canberra following their disappointing performance in the first Ashes Test, where they suffered a two-day defeat to Australia. Only three fringe players will participate in the match, while the rest of the squad will focus on additional training sessions at the Gabba.
  • This decision reflects England's strategy to regroup and address their recent failures rather than engage in a potentially demoralizing match. The choice to forgo the warm-up could indicate a desire to prioritize preparation over optics.
  • The ongoing Ashes series has highlighted the intense rivalry between England and Australia, with England's recent loss raising concerns about their performance and morale. The decision to skip the warm-up match may also be seen in the context of past controversies and criticisms surrounding the team's approach, as they seek to avoid repeating historical mistakes in high-pressure situations.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended apps based on your readingExplore all apps
Continue Readings
England seek new head coach for Rugby League World Cup after Shaun Wane quits
NegativeSports
Shaun Wane has resigned as head coach of the England rugby league team, leaving the national squad in search of a new leader ahead of the Rugby League World Cup later this year. Wane's departure follows a disappointing 3-0 Ashes series defeat to Australia, despite his initial intention to continue rebuilding the team.
England’s T20 World Cup plans hit by Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed visa delays
NegativeSports
England's preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup have been disrupted due to visa delays for spinners Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, both of whom have Pakistani heritage. The Indian government has yet to issue their visas, making it unlikely that they will travel with the rest of the squad for warm-up matches in Sri Lanka this weekend.

Ready to build your own newsroom?

Subscribe to unlock a personalised feed, podcasts, newsletters, and notifications tailored to the topics you actually care about