England’s Test team has touched down in Australia ahead of the 2025–26 Ashes series, with a warm‑up game at Lilac Hill Park in Guildford, Perth. The picturesque park is an unusual choice for a high-profile cricket tour, with its calm environment standing in stark contrast to the intensity of the upcoming Ashes matches.

The one-off warm‑up match against the England Lions will be the team’s only red-ball fixture before the first Test, giving players a brief opportunity to adapt to local conditions. Several key players, including Jofra Archer and Joe Root, were present for early training sessions at Lilac Hill. Archer bowled full runs while Root and newcomer Jamie Smith worked in the nets, honing their skills ahead of the competitive series. Casual onlookers, including dog-walkers and locals, observed the team rather than large crowds or media, highlighting the informal nature of the session.

Even local media has noted England captain Joe Root’s mixed record in Australia, with playful headlines teasing his past struggles. Meanwhile, the first Ashes Test is scheduled to start on 21 November at Optus Stadium, Perth, where the real contest will unfold.

Lilac Hill: Unconventional but Calm Preparation

England’s choice of Lilac Hill has drawn commentary from former players and cricket analysts. Typically, touring sides play multiple warm-up games against strong domestic teams on pitches that replicate Test conditions. The park-like, low-bounce surface at Lilac Hill may not perfectly simulate the high-bounce wickets expected in the Ashes opener, but it offers a peaceful environment for players to settle in and fine-tune their technique.

Critics have described the approach as unconventional, warning that a single warm-up match might leave the team under-prepared for the pace and bounce of Australian pitches. Supporters, however, argue that the calm setting can reduce early pressure and help players focus on adjusting to local conditions, both physically and mentally.

While Lilac Hill may seem serene, the England Test team is fully aware that the Ashes demand peak performance from day one. The warm-up provides a gentle start, but the true challenge begins in just a few weeks as England face one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.