With the highly-anticipated Ashes looming, England's preparation, or lack of, for the five-Test series has been heavily scrutinised as they are set to play just one warm-up game.

England will play the Lions in a three-day match starting overnight on Thursday, a striking contrast to the side's build-up when they last won in Australia in 2010/11, when they took a much more rigorous approach.

The decision has caused mixed reactions with some believing after the ODI series whitewash against New Zealand this is all England need.

However there are concerns the warm-up match at Lilac Hill near Perth, against a side made up of potential back-up players and up and coming prospects, will not replicate the challenge of playing Australia at home.

Lord Ian Botham has described the decision as "bord

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