England have committed to an extended training schedule in Brisbane as they attempt to regroup from their crushing defeat in the opening Ashes Test. After being swept aside inside two days in Perth, Ben Stokes’ side is now preparing for one of their most intensive build-ups since the current leadership team took charge.

Five Days of Preparation for Day–Night Clash at the Gabba

The second Test, a day-night match at the Gabba starting next Thursday, has pushed England to expand their normal routine. Instead of the standard two-to-three-day lead-in, the team has arranged five consecutive training days, including additional sessions that were not originally planned.

England were scheduled to begin training on Monday, but they have now added:

• An extra session on Sunday at the Gabba
• A Saturday workout at Allan Border Field
• Floodlit training on Monday and Wednesday to prepare for the pink ball

The squad flew from Perth to Brisbane on Wednesday and have been given personal downtime before training resumes.

Debate Over Skipping the England Lions Pink-Ball Match

England’s refusal to send any of their first-Test XI to the England Lions’ pink-ball fixture in Canberra has sparked plenty of criticism. The two-day match was seen by many as ideal preparation, especially given:

• The 11-day gap caused by England’s quick collapse in Perth
• The unique demands of pink-ball, day-night conditions

Former captain Michael Vaughan labelled the decision “nonsense,” while BBC commentator Jonathan Agnew called it “bizarre.”
However, some ex-players, including Alec Stewart, backed Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, insisting that the pair should stay committed to their methods.

England argue that preparing in Brisbane makes more sense because conditions in Canberra—slow and low—are not comparable to the fast, bouncy surface of the Gabba.

England’s Pink-Ball Struggles Add Pressure

England’s record in day-night Test cricket remains shaky. They have won only two of their past seven pink-ball Tests, including three losses in Australia. Meanwhile, Australia boast an intimidating home record, winning 13 of their 14 pink-ball matches.

Two likely England starters—Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson—have never played a first-class pink-ball match, adding another layer of unpredictability.

England were dismissed twice for just 67.3 overs in Perth, their shortest losing effort since 1904. With the series already 1–0 in Australia’s favour, Stokes’ team almost certainly needs at least a draw in Brisbane to keep the Ashes alive. England haven’t won a Test at the Gabba since 1986.

Australia Considering Squad Tweaks for Brisbane

Australia are set to confirm their squad before the weekend. Key points include:

• Pat Cummins could return after recovering from a back injury and has been bowling with the pink ball in Sydney.
• Josh Hazlewood is also bowling but is not expected to play in Brisbane.
• If Cummins plays, he would resume the captaincy from Steve Smith.
• Australia may choose between an all-pace attack or retaining off-spinner Nathan Lyon.
• The final seamer spot appears to be between Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

There is also uncertainty around Usman Khawaja, who experienced back spasms in Perth. If he is unavailable, Josh Inglis—fresh off a century for a Cricket Australia XI—could come into the side.

Perth Pitch Rated ‘Very Good’ by ICC

The International Cricket Council rated the Perth surface from the first Test as “very good,” describing it as offering good carry, minimal early movement, and consistent bounce. The match was notable for being the first two-day Ashes Test in more than a century.