England warm-up vs WA XI at WACA Ground set for 7 November
Synopsis
England return to the WACA Ground for the first time since the 2017/18 Ashes, facing a Western Australia XI in a 50-over warm-up on 7 November. The last such fixture launched Aaron Hardie and Lance Morris onto the international stage — WA will be hoping history repeats itself against the 'Old Enemy'.
Key Takeaways
England play a 50-over warm-up against Western Australia XI at the WACA Ground on 7 November , starting at 11:30 AM local time .
The fixture is England's final preparation before their ODI series opener against Australia at Perth Stadium on 13 November .
It is the first time an official England side has played at the WACA since the 2017/18 Ashes series .
Expected England squad includes Joe Root , captain Harry Brook , Jofra Archer , and Jacob Bethell .
In the 2017 equivalent fixture, a teenage Aaron Hardie dismissed Root and James Vince in the same over, with Lance Morris also starring.
Tickets for the warm-up match went on sale from Tuesday morning .
England will play a 50-over warm-up match against a Western Australia XI at the iconic WACA Ground in Perth on 7 November, ahead of their white-ball series against Australia. The fixture begins at 11:30 AM local time, with tickets going on sale from Tuesday morning.
Preparation Before the ODI Series
The warm-up clash serves as England's primary tune-up before the opening match of their ODI series against Australia at Perth Stadium on 13 November. The WACA Ground, located close to Perth Stadium, provides an ideal acclimatisation venue for the visitors. England are expected to field a star-studded lineup featuring Joe Root, white-ball captain Harry Brook, premier fast bowler Jofra Archer, and left-handed batter Jacob Bethell.
England's First Return to WACA Since 2017
The fixture marks the first time an official England side has featured at the WACA Ground since the 2017/18 Ashes series, when they similarly faced a local WA XI during their tour preparations. That previous encounter is remembered fondly in Western Australian cricket circles — a then 18-year-old all-rounder Aaron Hardie, uncapped at the time, dismissed Joe Root and James Vince in the same over, while a 19-year-old Lance Morris removed opener Mark Stoneman. Both Hardie and Morris have since gone on to represent Australia at the international level.
What WA Cricket Officials Said
WA Cricket Chief Executive Officer John Stephenson expressed enthusiasm at welcoming England back to the ground. '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,' Stephenson said. He added that the match was 'a brilliant opportunity to showcase our outstanding venue.'
WA Men's Head Coach Beau Casson underlined the developmental significance of the tie for local players. 'We are very eager to test ourselves against the best, and a hit-out against England certainly provides that opportunity,' Casson said. He noted WA's squad includes both current international cricketers and those aspiring to reach that level. 'We would love the chance to have the rest of Australia on side by getting one up over the Old Enemy,' he added.
Significance for Western Australian Cricket
The match offers WA's emerging talent a rare stage to perform against top-tier opposition, mirroring the 2017 encounter that helped launch the careers of Hardie and Morris. For England, the WACA's distinctive conditions — historically known for pace and bounce — make it a valuable preparation ground ahead of the white-ball contests to follow. The fixture underscores Western Australia's continued role as a hub for marquee touring matches in Australian domestic cricket.
Point of View
But England's return to the WACA carries a subplot worth watching. The 2017 edition handed Aaron Hardie and Lance Morris a national platform — two players who eventually graduated to Australian colours. WA Coach Beau Casson's squad reportedly again contains internationals and near-internationals, suggesting this is no token fixture. For England, the WACA's pace and bounce remain unlike anything they encounter at home, making the 7 November hit-out genuinely consequential rather than ceremonial. The real story will be whether another unknown WA youngster uses this stage to serve notice.
NationPress
5 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is England's warm-up match in Australia?
England play a 50-over warm-up against a Western Australia XI at the WACA Ground in Perth on 7 November, with the match starting at 11:30 AM local time. Tickets went on sale from Tuesday morning.
Why is England playing at the WACA Ground?
The WACA Ground serves as England's primary preparation venue ahead of their ODI series opener against Australia at Perth Stadium on 13 November. The iconic ground's pace and bounce conditions make it ideal for acclimatisation ahead of the white-ball series.
When did England last play at the WACA Ground?
England last played at the WACA Ground during the 2017/18 Ashes series, when they also faced a Western Australia XI in a warm-up fixture. That match is remembered for a teenage Aaron Hardie dismissing Joe Root and James Vince in the same over.
Which England players are expected to feature in the warm-up?
England's squad for the warm-up is expected to include Joe Root, white-ball captain Harry Brook, fast bowler Jofra Archer, and left-handed batter Jacob Bethell, among others.
What is the significance of the fixture for Western Australian cricket?
The match gives WA's emerging players a rare opportunity to test themselves against top-tier international opposition. WA Head Coach Beau Casson noted the squad includes both current internationals and players hoping to reach that level, echoing the 2017 encounter that helped launch Aaron Hardie and Lance Morris onto the international stage.
