By Basant El-Faramawy
England white-ball captain Harry Brook insists the team is prepared to "train hard and play hard" during their upcoming tour of Australia, which begins this month.
Preparation contrasts with Ashes
The tour comes almost a year after the start of the 2025-26 Ashes series, where England's Test team faced criticism over preparation and off-field behavior, including a controversial trip to Noosa. Australia won that series 4-1.
Rigorous warm-up in Perth
England have been in Perth for five days, conducting a group run and net sessions. They face Western Australia at the WACA as a rigorous warm-up for the ODI series, contrasting with the lighter internal match against England Lions before the Ashes.
Fitness focus
Brook acknowledges the Ashes disappointment but emphasizes a different challenge: different format, different players. He stresses the team's focus on fitness and preparation, aiming to be among the strongest and fittest sides.
Compact schedule
The tour features three ODIs and five T20s across eight cities in 20 days, testing energy levels. Brook says professional athletes must knuckle down and play their best cricket.
Rashid eyes return
Spinner Adil Rashid, sidelined in the recent Pakistan tri-series, is hoping for a return. Brook says Rashid has been training well and bowling nicely; his omission was conditions-based, and he is raring to go.
