England’s only tour game ahead of the Ashes will be against England A

England won’t be able to put the shutters up like India did last summer when their one Ashes warm-up match takes place in Perth.

England captain Ben Stokes. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

England have opted against a suite of tour games to prepare for the Ashes and will instead play against themselves in Perth to prepare for November’s opening Test.

The only official practice match for the tourists in their quest to regain the urn will be against an England A side at Lilac Hill in a three-day red-ball match.

Touring teams have long abandoned multiple matches against state teams given the packed nature of the cricket schedule.

Last summer India played a single intra-squad match, behind closed doors and amid much secrecy, at the WACA.

No media or outside viewers were allowed in, although the public parkland at Lilac Hill won’t afford England the same privacy.

There is potential for the tourists to play a two-day fixture in Canberra against the Prime Minister’s XI in between the first Test and the second match at the Gabba, but that will be the extent of games outside the five-match international series.

England will play one Ashes warm-up match in Perth. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The news cames as Cricket Australia confirmed the Lions would play three fixtures on their tour of Australia will run a the same time as the Ashes, giving England a larger cohort of player in Australia at the same time.

England could also choose to play some unused Test squad members if they are not selected in the XIs for the first two Tests.

“The reciprocal A series against the England Lions is important for Australian cricket giving our players the chance to perform against high calibre opposition,” CA head of cricket operations and scheduling Peter Roach said.

“We’re confident this series will complement what should be a fiercely contested Ashes series and have strong benefits for both countries.

“It is a big year of Australia A cricket opportunities with the recently completed series against Sri Lanka A and tour of India in September before the Lions series.”

Australian selectors will have four full rounds of Sheffield Shield cricket to get players tuned up for the Ashes, offering the chance for batters to seize an opening spot with Sam Konstas no lock to keep his spot after failing in the West Indies.

Originally published as England’s only tour game ahead of the Ashes will be against England A