Australian teams to play England Lions during Ashes series

Australia will have the chance to review playing depth with two matches against the England Lions to be played simultaneously with the first and second Ashes Tests, slated to begin later this year. 

A Cricket Australia XI will play the Lions at Lilac Hill, Perth, during the West Test and Australia A will take on the Lions at Allan Border Field during the Brisbane Test. 

England will begin its Ashes' preparation with a three-day match against the England Lions at Lilac Hill, Perth, from November 13. 

England Lions tour schedule:

• Nov 13-15: England v England Lions | Lilac Hill (Perth)
• Nov 21-24: CA XI v England Lions | Lilac Hill (Perth)
• Dec 5-8: Australia A v England Lions | Allan Border Field (Brisbane) 

It is a big year of Australia A cricket: Peter Roach

Peter Roach, CA Head of Cricket Operations and Scheduling said: “The reciprocal A series against the England Lions is important for Australian Cricket, giving our players the chance to perform against high calibre opposition. We’re confident this series will complement what should be a fiercely contested Ashes series and have strong benefits for both countries.”

“It is a big year of Australia A cricket opportunities for our players with the current series against Sri Lanka A and a September series against India A before the Lions series,” Roach added.

Australia to begin home summer with Ashes Tests

This will be the first marquee home series for Australia in the red-ball format for the new World Test Championship cycle. They will be hosting the Three Lions for a riveting five-match Ashes series, the first of which will be played at the Optus Stadium in Perth, followed by matches at Brisbane and Adelaide for the second and third match, respectively. The fourth Test, which will be a Boxing Day encounter, will like always be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Ashes will conclude with the New Year's Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.