'There are 24 million people down here, not 11...': England legend slams Ben Stokes & Co's preparations for The Ashes

Legendary England cricketer Ian Botham belives that the current team's limited preparation for The upcoming Ashes series can go on to cost them big time. He feels that Ben Stokes & Co. are underprepared for the important assignment and pointed out that this can lead to them finding the Australian conditions very challenging.

These comments come as England continue preparing ahead of the first Test in Perth. They will only play a single three-day internal match against the England Lions before the Ashes begins from November 21. Notably, they haven't participated in any Tests since the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India that concluded in July.

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"It's not the way I would prepare. I think historically you have to acclimatise when you come down here. You've got to remember there's 24 million people down here, not 11. And you have to take that on board. The ball does seem to get to you quicker in Perth and the light's different. You've got the Fremantle Doctor; there's all kinds of things that go into the melting pot," Botham told reporters in Melbourne.

Botham expresses faith in 'bazball'

Despite criticising them for their preparations, Botham believes that England's 'Bazball' style of batting can turn out to be a game-changer and can help them in performing well in the series.

"If England's bowlers can stay fit, which doesn't happen very often, and the captain can play a full part, then I think England have got a real chance. I think it's the right way. You want to be aggressive, come through, and players, if they're not playing very well, don't like it in the ribs. So, yeah, it'll be interesting," Botham stated.

Australia to be without Cummins

Meanwhile, the opening match of the Ashes will be played at the Optus stadium in Perth. Australia will be without their regular captain Pat Cummins in the opening match as he is still recovering from the lumbar stress fracture that he sustained months ago. Instead of him, Steve Smith will be the one leading the team as the hosts look to make a positive start. On the other hand, England will be hoping to finally end their 14-year drought of a Test victory on Australian soil with the upcoming series.