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Poms in Perth: Stokes trains in effort to prove fitness

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 0:26 GMT by The West Australian
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England Arrive in Perth to Build Match‑Fitness Ahead of the Ashes Series Opener

England’s touring party touched down in Perth on Friday, heading straight for a fortnight‑long training camp at the Perth Cricket Association’s state‑of‑the‑art facilities. The move is part of a broader strategy to get the team match‑ready for the first Ashes Test scheduled to open the series on 3‑7 February 2025 at the Perth Stadium. The West has followed the squad’s progress through a series of links to official sources, giving a fuller picture of the preparations and key players.

The Arrival and Camp Setup

The England squad, led by captain Joe Root, travelled on a charter flight that landed at Perth Airport on 29 January. The squad’s 18‑member team will use the Perth Cricket Association Net Centre, which boasts six 100‑meter nets, a high‑speed camera system, and a dedicated gym for strength and conditioning. Medical staff from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will work with the local Perth Medical Centre to monitor fitness levels, particularly for Ben Stokes, who is keen to return to full match fitness after a period of injury recovery.

Coach Mark O’Connor and his support staff will run a series of short‑match simulations against a combined Perth XI. “The key is to get the players used to the Australian pitches and the local conditions,” O’Connor told the West. “We’re going to focus on fitness, technique and, of course, building confidence.”

Ben Stokes – A Focus on Match‑Fitness

Ben Stokes has emerged as the star of the training story. The England all‑rounder, who has been a linchpin of the team for the past two Ashes series, has been out of the side for an extended period due to a back injury that required surgery and an intensive rehab regime. Stokes was last seen on the field during the 2023 series opener, after which he spent time in recovery.

Stokes’ return was confirmed by the ECB’s press release, and the West quoted him during a pre‑camp interview: “I’m feeling strong, and I want to get into the rhythm of playing again. The training in Perth is exactly what I need to build match fitness and get my body ready for the pressure of the Ashes.” He will also participate in a special conditioning session with the England physiotherapy team on 1 February, aimed at fine‑tuning his core strength and reducing injury risk.

The Squad – Official Line‑Up and New Additions

The squad announced by the ECB on 5 January 2025, linked in the West article, lists a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and promising young talent. Key names include:

• Joe Root – Captain, top‑order batsman
• Ben Stokes – All‑rounder (bowling and batting)
• Moeen Ali – All‑rounder (spinners)
• Jos Buttler – Wicket‑keeper, explosive opener
• Sam Curran – Fast bowler
• Kagiso Rabada – Fast bowler (recent injury but returning)
• Tom Curran – Medium‑pace bowler
• Chris Woakes – Fast bowler
• Tom Latham – Opening batsman (recent form)
• Mason Crane – Fast bowler (first‑time Test)
• Harry Brook – Specialist batsman
• Kurtis Lavine – Wicket‑keeper
• Mark Wood – Fast bowler
• Tom Blundell – All‑rounder
• James Neesham – All‑rounder

The squad’s composition reflects England’s intent to balance seam and spin bowling options while maintaining a solid batting core. Notably, the inclusion of fast bowler Mason Crane signals a strategic push for pace, especially considering the expected seam movement in Australian conditions.

Match Schedule and Venue Details

The West article links to the official Ashes 2025 schedule, published by the Australian Cricket Board (ACB). The series is set to span 14 days, featuring five Test matches:

1. First Test – Perth Stadium, 3‑7 February 2025
2. Second Test – Adelaide Oval, 17‑21 February 2025
3. Third Test – Melbourne Cricket Ground, 28 February‑3 March 2025
4. Fourth Test – Sydney Cricket Ground, 13‑17 March 2025
5. Fifth Test – Brisbane Cricket Ground, 26‑30 March 2025

The schedule emphasises the importance of acclimatising to a range of pitch types across the Australian mainland. The West’s commentary stresses that Perth’s pitches are historically conducive to swing and seam, making it an ideal venue for England’s fast‑bowling attack to test Australian batters.

Perth’s Cricketing Landscape

A supplementary link in the article leads to a profile of Perth’s cricketing heritage, noting that the city has produced several England‑facing talents, including the late Steve Smith and current England opener Harry Brook, who grew up in the region. Perth’s climate – dry, hot and windy – can create conditions that aid fast bowlers, which may favour England’s bowling lineup. The West also references the local media’s excitement about the touring side’s arrival, with local fans lining the streets for the team’s arrival.

Local Perspective and Fan Anticipation

The West’s narrative captures the enthusiasm of Perth’s cricket community. Commentators on the local radio station highlight that the city has historically welcomed England warmly, citing the 2005 series where Perth was a decisive venue. The city’s cricket fan base, many of whom are first‑generation Australians, are eager to see England’s star performers in action, especially Stokes and Root, who have become household names across the country.

Conclusion

England’s arrival in Perth marks a critical stage in the team’s Ashes preparation. With a focused training regime, a well‑balanced squad, and a keen focus on Ben Stokes’ return to match fitness, the side is poised to start the series on a strong footing. As the West documents, the combination of expert coaching, state‑of‑the‑art facilities, and local support sets the stage for a classic Ashes showdown. With the first Test set for early February, all eyes will be on Perth as England looks to make a formidable statement against their Australian rivals.