Following a significant loss in the opening Ashes Test, England’s cricket team has scheduled additional training sessions ahead of the second match. The decision comes after an eight-wicket defeat to Australia that exposed vulnerabilities in the visiting side’s performance.
Team management has arranged extra net sessions beginning this weekend, bypassing the opportunity to field first-team players in a scheduled warm-up match. The intensified training regimen will see the squad practicing at Brisbane’s Allan Border Field before moving to the Gabba stadium facilities.
Two evening sessions have been specifically planned to help players adapt to the unique challenges of day-night cricket, including facing the pink ball under floodlights. This represents a departure from England’s standard preparation routine, which typically involves three days of training before a Test match.
The additional sessions will also help players adjust to Brisbane’s humid conditions, which have recently featured several electrical storms. Weather adaptation has become a priority for the visiting team as they seek to level the series.
Meanwhile, Australia may receive a significant boost with indications that their regular captain could return from injury for the upcoming match. The pace bowler has been sidelined since July but has recently been seen bowling in practice sessions. However, team management might opt to delay his return until the third Test, given Australia’s current series lead and England’s poor historical record at the Brisbane venue.
Fitness concerns also surround another key Australian batsman, who experienced back issues during the previous Test. The hosts are expected to finalize their squad ahead of the second Test, which begins next week under lights at the Gabba.
