England enjoy night out with Beefy

Liberal doses of red wine, some golf practice in between bowling duties, and a warm bath before trotting through the gate and into the heat of Test match battle.

These are the strategies shared by England’s most successful and recognised player of the post-war era, Sir Ian Botham, during an informal dinner with the current national team prior to the opening Test of the Ashes series that begins in Cardiff tomorrow (Wed).

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler told a media conference at Swalec Stadium about the inspirational address with a difference that Alastair Cook and his team were treated to when they shared a meal and more than a few anecdotes with Botham in Cardiff on Sunday evening.

"It was great last night, it was like story time with your granddad really," Buttler revealed .

"Everyone sat around listen to stories of the rock-star life he (Botham) led.

"It was quite different, the way he went about it as to our how our preparation has been."

First Test preparations get the royal treatment

Asked whether Botham, as famous for being a bon-vivant as he was for his batting and bowling during the five winning Ashes series in which he played key roles, had indicated there was more red wine involved in his preparation and recovery than modern-day players, Buttler could only smile.

"Copious amounts more," he said.

"I don’t think he warmed up as much as we do. 

"Just a warm bath in the morning and straight into his whites. 

"He likes to have a putt on the outfield. 

"We won’t see any of that this week but that was his preparation. 

"His favourite stories seem to involve rest days in Tests - they seemed to be the best invention ever."

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Buttler also revealed the value in the 14-man England squad spending four days at a golf resort in the Spanish coastal city of Almeria last week at which they got to know their new coach, former NSW Blues and Sydney Sixers supremo Trevor Bayliss.

He described Bayliss as having a "nice style" that meant he would eschew the limelight as well as complex instructions, and instead focus on creating an environment in which the England players were simply given the tools needed to perform at their best.

And the trip to Spain, away from the British media and the never-ending previewing of the Ashes, was an important part of that strategy.

"It was a really good trip, to get away from the build-up," Buttler said.

"To have your England tracksuit on and not get bothered by anyone, no media. 

"Just to get together and talk cricket, get to know TB (Bayliss), that was a really valuable trip and good preparation for the series."

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