Ben Stokes-led England will head into the first Ashes Test in Perth from November 21 without playing in any warm-up games in Australia. England captain Ben Stokes. (Photo: IANS)

Skipper Ben Stokes has defended England’s lack of warm-up matches ahead of the first Ashes cricket Test against Australia in Perth beginning November 21. England is aiming to break a 14-year winless run in Australia. Stokes and fellow veteran Joe Root have never won a test match in Australia, and there’s no survivors in this squad from England’s 2010-11 series win.

Australia has won 5-0, 4-0, and 4-0 the last three times England has traveled Down Under for the most anticipated series in world cricket. England’s only preparation in Australia for this series is a three-day match against the England Lions, essentia

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