England Plays Single Warm-Up Match Against Lions Ahead Ashes

England will play only one official warm-up match before the 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia, facing their own England Lions team at Lilac Hill in Perth from November 13-15. This three-day red-ball match serves as their sole preparation before the first Test at Optus Stadium on November 21, replacing the traditional multiple warm-up games against state sides, a shift mirroring India's streamlined approach in their last Australian tour. Lilac Hill, an open parkland venue by the Swan River, will allow public access to watch the match, unlike the closed-door warm-up India held at the WACA previously. Concurrently, the England Lions will play two additional matches against a Cricket Australia XI and Australia A, providing match practice opportunities for players outside England's Test squad and allowing Australia to test its depth ahead of the Ashes. There is also potential, though unconfirmed, for England to play a two-day pink-ball game against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra between the first two Tests to prepare for day-night conditions. Cricket Australia emphasizes the reciprocal benefit of the Lions tour for both countries, enhancing competitive opportunities alongside the fiercely contested Ashes series.