LONDON, 25 November (H.S.): England's preparation for the second Ashes Test is under intense scrutiny following the team's decision to bypass a crucial pink-ball tour match against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra. The move comes after a crushing defeat within two days in the first Test in Perth, which left an 11-day gap before the next match and highlighted the English batters' lack of time at the crease.

Despite the batting collapses in Perth, England's captain Ben Stokes has stood firm on the plan, confirming the first-team players will not participate in the warm-up fixture. Instead, the squad will travel directly to Brisbane to focus on net sessions ahead of the day-night Test at the Gabba, starting on December 4 .

A Divisive Decision

The strategy has drawn mixed reactions from cricket veterans. Former Australia international and current Durham coach, Ryan Campbell, supported the move, stating he wouldn't be sending my guys to Canberra either because to do so would show doubt.

However, other former players have criticized the decision as a missed opportunity. Ex-Australia opener Simon Katich argued that several players would benefit from match practice, even if conditions differ from the Gabba. Former England captain Michael Vaughan labeled the choice to skip the fixture as amateurish .

The team's limited preparation, which included only one internal warm-up match before the first Test, has been a major point of contention.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar