Brisbane’s weather has thrown final preparations for next week’s Ashes series into chaos, with the final hit out for both squads in severe doubt.
England was due to start a four-day match between their Ashes squad and the England Lions at Ian Healy Oval today, but wet weather has forced a re-think.
Heavy rain in Brisbane this morning is forecast to continue today and into tomorrow, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting 30-50mm today, and a further 20-40mm tomorrow.
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The rain will likely also prevent any play in Australia’s intra-squad match, which is due to begin tomorrow.
For both sides this week’s practice matches were shaping as an opportunity to finalise their lineups ahead of the first Test at the Gabba on December 8.
For Australia, Travis Head and Usman Khawaja are locked in a battle for the number five batting spot, although indications are Head has his nose in front.
There’s still also no certainty about the identity of Tim Paine’s replacement as wicket-keeper, with Alex Carey the favourite to edge out Josh Inglis.
England’s intra-squad match last week was also heavily impacted by rain, leaving the visitors with no serious red-ball practice ahead of the first Test.
“It might be that, in the next couple of days, we get some similar weather, and we don’t get the time out there in the middle,” England skipper Joe Root said.
“But it’s important that – whether you play those games in your mind a little bit more, visualise a little bit more – you find different ways of making sure that when that first ball comes down at the Gabba, we’re in the best place possible to come out on top.”
England’s batting lineup appears to be set for the first Test, with the biggest doubt over the exact makeup of their bowling attack.
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