England have confirmed that none of the players who suffered a crushing two-day defeat in the first Ashes Test will play in a pink-ball warm-up match in Canberra, risking further criticism. Only Jacob Bethell, Josh Tongue, and Matthew Potts—all unused in Perth—will join the Lions for the two-day floodlit fixture against a Prime Minister's XI starting Saturday at Manuka Oval.
Cricket Australia had originally scheduled the match as a preparation for the day-night second Test in Brisbane, but England opted to send the Lions instead weeks ago, citing concerns that the slow pitch would not replicate the Gabba's bounce. Head coach Brendon McCullum later offered individuals a chance to travel, but only fringe players accepted.
With an 11-day gap before the second Test, McCullum has arranged additional training sessions at the Gabba, including evening practice under lights. The team flies to Brisbane on Wednesday, with preparations starting on Saturday. The decision has drawn criticism from former captain Michael Vaughan, who called it 'amateurish' not to play with the pink ball under lights.
England's record in day-night Tests is poor: five losses in seven matches, including two defeats in the 2017-18 Ashes. Australia have lost only one of their 14 pink-ball Tests. The outcome of the decision will ultimately be judged by whether England can level the series at the Gabba.
