Ashes 2025-26: 'We'll be ready for next week' - Zak Crawley downplays concerns over preparation issues

Contrary to a lot of former cricketers and critics, English top-order batter Zak Crawley is confident of his team's preparation for the upcoming Ashes. The first Test between the arch-rivals is scheduled to commence on November 21.

He emphasised that the three-day warm-up match between England and England Lions has been 'good prep' in multiple aspects, such as adapting to the weather and the flies.

"Luckily, I don't have to worry about those sorts of things. I just try and turn up and play my role in the team. As far as I'm concerned, it's good prep. We're getting used to the weather, getting used to the flies. It's good prep and I feel like we'll be ready for next week," stated Crawley, as quoted by India Today.

Crawley also talked about his connection with Perth, the city where the series-opening fixture will be contested. He fondly recollected his time playing for Perth Scorchers at the Perth Stadium in the 2023/24 edition of the Big Bash League.

"I love this town—it's one of my favourite places in the world, so I love being back. Got a lot of friends here, my old batting coach is from here and I feel like I've got a connection here. I love Perth. I didn't get to (play here) last time with COVID, so it'll be very special. I played for the Scorchers here and Optus Stadium is an unbelievable ground, a lot of English people there hopefully and it's going to be one of the most special moments of my career for sure," he added.

There has been a lot of talk surrounding England's preparation ahead of the five-match series Down Under. The England and Wales Cricket Board has organized only one three-day match prior to the commencement of the series.

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Crawley scored 82 off 101 and 3 off 12 in his first two innings for the English outfit. The match is being played at the Lilac Hill Park in Perth. At Tea on the final day's play, England require 168 to win with eight wickets to spare.