England's Secret WACA Warm-Up: What It Means for the ODI Series

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England will play a 50-over warm-up against a Western Australia XI at the WACA Ground on November 7, 2026, ahead of their ODI series against Australia. The match gives England vital practice for the 2027 World Cup.

England's white-ball squad is heading to Perth for a 50-over warm-up match against a Western Australia XI at the WACA Ground on November 7, 2026. The game starts at 11:30 AM local time. It's a chance for England to get some valuable practice just six days before their three-match ODI series against Australia kicks off at Perth Stadium on November 13. ### Why This Warm-Up Matters Coach Brendon McCullum asked for this fixture to help the team prepare for an eight-match tour that also includes a five-match T20I series. It's all part of the build-up to the 2027 Cricket World Cup, so every game counts. ### Tour Schedule and World Cup Plans After the first ODI in Perth, the action moves to Adelaide for the second ODI on November 15, then wraps up in Hobart on November 18. The T20I series runs from November 21 to December 2. Scheduling is tight for both teams. England wants a full-strength squad for the ODIs, but they might rest some Test players during the T20Is to keep them fresh for a Test tour of South Africa. Meanwhile, Australia has to manage their Test bowlers who finish a series in South Africa on October 31, just before a four-Test series against New Zealand starting December 9. ### Squad News and Player Availability England's white-ball captain Harry Brook leads the squad, with senior batter Joe Root, fast bowler Jofra Archer, and young left-hander Jacob Bethell. Archer could be a handful on the fast WACA pitch. Western Australia might be missing some key players. Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, and Cooper Connolly are likely unavailable because Australia's Test tour of South Africa ends just six days earlier. The warm-up falls during an 11-day break between Sheffield Shield matches, so WA might call on fast bowlers Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, and Mahli Beardman, depending on their fitness. ### Ticket Details and Broadcast Info WA Cricket CEO John Stephenson said, "We are thrilled to welcome England back to the WACA Ground for what promises to be a fantastic day of cricket. It is a special opportunity to see some of the world's best white-ball players, and to prove the strength of our elite cricket programs here in WA." Tickets went on sale October 5 through Ticketmaster. Prices start at $10 for juniors, $15 for concessions, $25 for adults, and $60 for family passes. WACA members get in free with their 2026–27 membership. Broadcast details for the warm-up will be announced later, but the first ODI will be shown live on Kayo Cricket, ABC Cricket, SEN, and Triple M on November 13. Stay tuned for more cricket updates and analysis.

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