England will play a Western Australia XI in a 50‑over warm‑up game at the WACA ahead of their ODI series against Australia in November – following criticism that they did not face any local opposition prior to their previous Ashes loss last winter.
England’s sole Test‑match preparation before the Ashes defeat last winter consisted of an intra‑squad fixture at the club ground Lilac Hill, which did not replicate the bouncy conditions they ultimately faced in the opening of the series in Perth, a contest they lost within two days.
White‑ball coach Brendon McCullum, who was in charge of the Test side during the Ashes humiliation, stated last month that he hoped to arrange heat‑up games this time around and that his team would now contest the Western Australia XI on 7 November.
The first One Day International against Australia is scheduled for 13 November in Perth at Optus Stadium, followed by fixtures in Adelaide on 15 November and Hobart on 18 November.
McCullum’s side will subsequently engage in five T20 internationals across Melbourne, Carrara, Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra.
Joe Root is a key member of England’s ODI side
England have yet to confirm their tour squads but are counting on Jacob Bethell returning fit after missing the latter half of the Australian summer due to a knee injury and subsequent surgery.
Prior to that selection, the team will compete in an ODI tri-series in Pakistan, featuring Sri Lanka, starting on 20 October.
‘Crane a better leg‑spinner than Ahmed’
Glamorgan leg‑spinner Mason Crane has been called up, replacing the dropped Rehan Ahmed, and is seeking his first international cap since the 2017‑18 Ashes.
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Crane recorded bowling figures of 1‑193 from 48 overs on a try‑based red‑ball debut in Sydney when he joined the side; domestically he has turned a tight 34 wickets in 2026, appearing in all fourteen County Championship matches and compiling thirty‑two wickets, including two centuries.
The former Hampshire bowler also claimed 15 Vitality Blast wickets.
In a conversation with the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, former England captain Michael Atherton remarked: “Crane’s call‑up is a great story.”
Mason Crane could play for England for the first time since 2018 after being named in the squad for the ODI tri-series in Pakistan
“He made a tough start to Test cricket, but I believe he showed character in that innings and didn’t bowl as poorly as his figures implied.”
“He has gained valuable experience at age 29—having represented across many competitions—and from a county where he gets substantial game time.”
“His batting has also improved, which will only strengthen his chances.”
Rehan Ahmed played two ODIs in the recent series win over Sri Lanka, recording figures of 1‑46 from seven overs in Durham and 2‑48 from eight at Headingley
“I’m pleased England has moved past Ahmed from a spin‑bowling role, as I believe there are better leg‑spin options available.”
“For me, Ahmed is primarily a batsman who bowls leg‑spin, whereas Crane is the opposite.”
“There’s space for Ahmed to return, but England needs to decide how to treat his role, and he does so himself.”
“Crane is clearly a superior leg‑spinner to him for me, and England may look to him for the rest of the winter—particularly for the Tests in Bangladesh in February.”
