Ashes: England players skip pink-ball warm-up match despite defeat
What's the story
England have refrained from sending their first-choice batters for an Ashes tour match in Canberra, even after their crushing loss in the first Test. The tourists were defeated within two days in Perth, leaving an 11-day gap before the 2nd Test at The Gabba. It will be a pink-ball affair in Brisbane. This long interval gave the Ashes-bound English players an opportunity to join a two-day pink-ball match against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra.
Player selection
Only 3 players released for pink-ball match
Only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batter Jacob Bethell, none of whom played in the first Test in Perth for England, will join the England Lions in Canberra. As per reports, none of the English players from the Perth Test XI requested to play in Canberra. This decision has been criticized as a missed opportunity for valuable practice time ahead of a crucial day-night second Test in Brisbane.
Criticism
Former players criticize England's decision
Former England skipper Michael Vaughan recently described the move as "amateurish." Alastair Cook, an all-time English great, also urged them to reconsider this decision. He wrote in his Sunday Times column that he would want to play the pink-ball game against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra, and not just leave it to Lions players.
Strategy
England's warm-up game strategy
England's decision to skip the warm-up game aligns with their previous approach on tours of Australia. Skipper Ben Stokes defended their decision by saying, "That's how it was done a long time ago." He added that they prepare well and work hard every day on their game. The 2nd Test (Day-Night) at The Gabba in Brisbane starts on December 4.
Summary
England lost by eight wickets in Perth
Batting first in Perth, England folded for 172, with Mitchell Starc claiming a career-best seven-fer. In response, Australia also lost wickets in a cluster to end their innings at 132. Five of these wickets went to Ben Stokes. England, in their second innings, managed 164/10 thanks to Gus Atkinson (37). Scott Boland trapped four batters. Australia then chased down 205, riding on Travis Head's record-breaking hundred. They won by eight wickets.