Trescothick defends England's Ashes buildup and shrugs off hypocrisy jibes

"Marcus Trescothick has defended England's Ashes preparations after Ian Botham joined a chorus of criticism from former players over the decision to schedule just a single warm-up game, saying ex-professionals need to bear in mind that times have dramatically changed in the way that cricket is done. England's assistant coach also laughed off attempts from the Australian media to compare his use of mints to help the ball swing in the 2005 Ashes with their own players' notorious Sandpapergate controversy."

"Other notable voices to have spoken on the issue include Sir Geoffrey Boycott, who has called it madness, saying that if they win in Australia it will be in spite of their lack of match practice, not because of it; Michael Vaughan, who called it a huge risk, a risky tactic; and the former Australia opener Simon Katich, who said it was asking for trouble and that very few teams have come to these shores and prepared the way England have, and had success."

"All I will say is times have dramatically changed in the way that cricket is done, he said. What we are doing for this series isn't anything different from when we went to New Zealand, Pakistan or anywhere else. It isn't any different from when India come to England, or when Australia come to England. People are talking about it and I obviously respect their opinions, but with the volume of cricket that is now played around the world"

Marcus Trescothick defended England's decision to play only one warm-up game before the Ashes and stressed that times have dramatically changed in cricket. He argued that the schedule mirrors modern touring patterns and is no different from trips to New Zealand or Pakistan or when India and Australia tour England. Trescothick dismissed Australian media comparisons between his 2005 use of mints and Sandpapergate. Ian Botham, Geoffrey Boycott, Michael Vaughan and Simon Katich criticised the limited preparation, calling it risky, arrogant or madness. England will play the Lions as their sole match before the first Test next Friday.

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