Former England captain Ian Botham has raised questions about the team's lean Ashes preparations and whether the players will be ready to take on an entire nation backing Australia's bid to retain the urn.

England did not have its full squad in Perth until last Sunday and will play one internal match before the series opener starts in the Western Australian capital on November 21.

All but one of Australia's Ashes squad, meanwhile, are warming up with the red ball in domestic Sheffield Shield matches around the country.

Starc sends England ominous warning as Ashes hopefuls fail to fire

Mitchell Starc enjoys a successful return to red ball cricket while representing New South Wales but Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster fail to grab their opportunities.

A number of England's players played

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