England’s subdued preparations in the lead-up to the Ashes 2025 opener have raised concerns, with legendary all-rounder Ian Botham slamming the Bazballers for their lack of intensity 10 days out from the series opener. Gearing up for the first ball at the Optus Stadium in Perth, starting November 21, England have opted against a preparatory First-Class game Down Under after their mixed white-ball tour to New Zealand, where they were clean-swept in the ODI leg. England did not have its full squad in Perth until last Sunday and will play one internal match before the series-opener starts in the Western Australian capital on November 21. Story continues below this ad All but one of Australia’s Ashes squad, meanwhile, are warming up with the red ball in domestic Sheffield Shield matches around the country. ‘Not the way I’d prepare’ “It’s not the way I would prepare,” Botham told reporters in Melbourne on Tuesday. “I think historically you have to acclimatise when you come down here. You’ve got to remember there are 24 million people down here, …