Old Enemy returns: WA to face England at the WACA

Western Australian cricket fans will get a rare chance to see England up close, with a WA XI to face the tourists in a 50-over warm-up match at the WACA Ground on Saturday 7 November.

The match will form part of England’s preparation for the opening ODI against Australia at Perth Stadium six days later.

England is expected to bring a star-studded squad to Perth, with Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jofra Archer and Jacob Bethell among the names who could feature.

It will be the first time an England XI has played an official match at the WACA Ground since the 2017-18 Ashes.

The tourists last faced a WA XI ahead of that series, in a match which produced an early glimpse of some of Western Australia’s emerging talent.

Aaron Hardie, then an uncapped 18-year-old, dismissed Root and James Vince in the same over, while a 19-year-old Lance Morris also claimed the wicket of opener Mark Stoneman.

WA Cricket Chief Executive Officer John Stephenson said the fixture would give fans the chance to watch international-quality cricket at one of the game’s most iconic venues.

“We are thrilled to welcome England back to the WACA Ground for what promises to be a fantastic day of cricket,” Stephenson said.

“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.”

WA Men’s Head Coach Beau Casson said his squad was looking forward to testing itself against one of world cricket’s strongest sides.

“We are very eager to test ourselves against the best, and a hit-out against England certainly provides that opportunity,” Casson said.

“We have a few international cricketers within our squad, as well as players aspiring to hit those heights in the coming years.

“We are proud of our venue, proud of representing the State, and we would love the chance to have the rest of Australia on side by getting one up over the Old Enemy.”

The WA XI v England XI clash will be followed by the first ODI between Australia and England at Perth Stadium on Friday 13 November.