The Ashes 2025: England need to play practice match ahead of second Ashes Test - Michael Vaughan

Former England Test captain Michael Vaughan has expressed his surprise at the team's lack of preparation for the second Ashes Test against Australia in Brisbane. The first Test ended in a crushing eight-wicket defeat for England, with many pundits attributing the loss to their players' unfamiliarity with the pink-ball.

Vaughan believes that the England Lions' upcoming multi-day match using the pink ball is crucial in helping the current team prepare for the challenging conditions ahead. This practice match will enable them to acclimate themselves to the specific demands of the pink-ball, a format which is known to be more unpredictable than its traditional white counterpart.

By taking part in this multi-day practice match, England's players can gain valuable experience and insights that will prove crucial in their forthcoming Tests against Australia. Vaughan's emphasis on the importance of preparation highlights the need for the team to be meticulous in their approach, particularly when facing an opponent as formidable as Australia in a format that presents unique challenges.

With the second Test just around the corner, England's players would do well to heed Vaughan's words and make use of this practice match. By doing so, they can fine-tune their skills and build confidence ahead of the critical matches that will follow, thereby increasing their chances of success in what promises to be an intense and closely contested Ashes series.

I think its defo a good move by England to use the pink ball practice match to prepare for the Aussie Tests The pink ball format can be super unpredictable, so I reckon its essential for the players to get used to it ASAP . Michael Vaughan's right, the Lions' practice match is a great opportunity for the team to get a feel for the conditions and make any necessary adjustments before the second Test . England needs to step up their game if they wanna take on Australia and I'm sure this practice match will help them get there .

I'm kinda surprised England didn't take advantage of the pink-ball practice match already... I mean, it's not like they're gonna get a second chance to try it out before the 2nd Test . They need to make the most of this opportunity to gain some valuable experience and build confidence. If Vaughan is saying that's crucial, then I think they should definitely take it more seriously .

So England is really struggling with the pink ball already? I mean, it's only one Test match into the Ashes and they're already losing by 8 wickets ? I guess Vaughan has a point though - this practice match for the Lions could be super helpful in getting them ready for the Aussie team. I'd love to see some of these players step up and show what they've got ! It's not like England hasn't been preparing for this moment, but maybe it's time for them to put their money where their mouth is . Let's see how that practice match goes down - fingers crossed for the Three Lions !

I'm fuming about this pink-ball business! Like, seriously, how hard is it to prepare for a new format? England's players are already getting thrashed by the Aussies and now they're expecting us to just wing it with some fancy practice match? It's like, come on guys, you've got one chance to get this right! And Vaughan's right, of course, but still... I mean, what if they don't even learn from this? What if they're still as clueless in the real Test? I just want to see some solid preparation, you know? Like, let's not just rush into it and hope for the best. We need to see some real grit and determination here. The pressure's on, England!

OMG I'm literally thinking the same thing!!! This pink-ball format is SO unpredictable and it's crazy England wasn't ready for it! Vaughan makes total sense though, a multi-day practice match is exactly what they need to get their heads around it. I mean can you imagine walking out onto the pitch with that weird ball bouncing all over the place? It would be super stressful! But if they take this seriously and make use of it, I really think they've got a chance of turning things around in the series.

I'm loving how Vaughan is speaking truth to power (or should I say, cricket board?) about the importance of preparation . It's so true that the pink-ball format can be unpredictable, and you can't just wing it against Australia . The practice match with the England Lions is a great idea – it'll help them get a feel for the conditions and make adjustments before the big tests . And Vaughan's right, the team needs to be meticulous in their approach if they want to come out on top . Let's hope they take his advice to heart and don't get caught off guard by Australia's star power ️!

I gotta say, I'm a bit surprised that Vaughan's gonna put so much emphasis on this pink-ball practice match . Like, yeah it's a new format and all, but is it really that crucial for the team's success? I mean, Australia's always been tough to beat anyway, no matter what the ball looks like . Plus, can't we just assume that the current team knows how to play with a pink ball or something? It feels kinda like they're making too big a deal out of it . I'm all for preparation and practice, but is this really gonna make a difference in the grand scheme of things?

OMG, I'm like super surprised the eng team is strugglin w/ th pink ball lol! Michael Vaughan's right though, they need 2 get acclimated ASAP or it'll b a real headache @ Brisbane I think it's a great idea 4 them 2 play that multi-day match w/ the Lions - it's gonna be a goldmine of info 4 them 2 learn from & improve on England's gotta step up their prep game if they wanna take down Aus in this Ashes series

I think it's super important for England to get a feel for the pink-ball before the second Test . I mean, we've all seen how unpredictable those games can be, right? It's not just about batting or bowling, but also about the conditions and how your body reacts under pressure. By doing a multi-day practice match with the pink ball, they'll get to test themselves in real game-like situations and learn from their mistakes . Vaughan makes a valid point that preparation is key, especially when facing Australia – those guys are always up for a challenge . If England can get a handle on this format, I reckon they've got a shot at coming back strong !

I'm not loving England's prep for the second Test ... Vaughan's right though - a pink ball match with the Lions is a must . They need to get familiar with that weird, unpredictable vibe ASAP. It's crazy they're gonna face Australia again after getting thrashed like that . If they don't take this practice match seriously, they'll be in for another world of hurt ... and we all know how that's gonna play out

I'm kinda surprised England didn't take advantage of a practice match using pink balls already... I mean, it's like they're giving Australia too much time to get ready. It makes sense though, those pink balls can be super unpredictable, so getting a feel for them is key. If the players can just acclimate themselves and learn how to deal with that extra bounce, they might actually stand a chance against the Aussies.

I think the England team is really missing the point here . It's not just about getting used to the pink ball, it's about a systemic issue - their coaching staff isn't preparing them for the big games properly . I mean, what's the strategy behind this practice match? Is it just a token gesture to make the fans feel better? We need more than that - we need to see some real changes in the team's approach and mindset .

And let's not forget, Vaughan himself was captain during a tumultuous period for England cricket . He should know what it takes to be competitive against Australia. So, when he says this practice match is crucial, I say...it's about time! The team needs to wake up and smell the coffee ️. No more excuses, no more complacency. It's time to get down to business and take on those Aussies .

Yaaas I totally agree with Michael Vaughan!!! England needs to get their prep right ASAP! Those pink ball practice matches are gonna be a GAME CHANGER They gotta learn how to handle that unpredictability and build confidence for the real deal Let's hope our lads take his words on board and get ready to put on a show against Australia

I think England should really take Vaughan's advice seriously... this pink-ball thing is a whole new ball game (no pun intended) and if they can't even beat Australia at home, it's gonna be tough out in the bush

I think it's kinda funny how Vaughan is all like "we need to practice with pink ball" lol, but honestly, wouldn't you wanna test your mettle against the real deal? I mean, a few multi-day matches aren't gonna prepare you for the actual thing . Still, gotta respect his perspective - the pink-ball format can be super unpredictable, so maybe it's better to get some experience under their belts before facing Australia

I mean, what's up with the pink ball, right? It's like cricket's trying out a new superhero cape – either it's gonna save the day or totally mess things up! But seriously, Vaughan makes some good points. Those practice matches can be super valuable in getting the team ready for the unpredictable pink-ball format. England needs to step up their game and not get left behind in the Ashes series. Maybe they should even offer a 'pink ball survival' course – "How to Not Get Wickedly Beaten by a Pink Ball"