“Amateurish” - Michael Vaughan on England team deciding to skip pink-ball warm-up game against Prime Minister’s XI

In a biting critique of England's Ashes preparation, former captain Michael Vaughan urged Ben Stokes' team to arrange a pink-ball warm-up. Twelve days remain until the second Test in Brisbane after England's stunning two-day loss in the first Test on Saturday.

On 29 November, England will field the Lions development team instead of any members of their Test XI in a pink-ball match against a Prime Minister's XI. That Test is a day-night match and will be played with a pink ball instead of the customary red one.

Vaughan's comments come amid mounting criticism of England's preparedness for circumstances in which Australia thrives, with Australia leading the five-match series 1-0 and the second Test, a day-night encounter, scheduled to start in Brisbane on December 4.

Australia has won 13 of its 14 day-night Tests, including all three against England, which is concerning for England's chances of bouncing back from the disaster in Perth. England must practise with a pink ball under floodlights during the extra time before their second Test match against Australia. After the dust settled, Vaughan suggested England should adjust their schedule to allow the players to maintain their sharpness.

Speaking on BBC Test Match Special after England's defeat in Perth, Vaughan said: "It's amateurish if they don't go and play [a day-night warm-up Test]... What damage is it going to do you as a team and a player to play a pink ball game against Starc? The bowlers even, I mean, they've played two days of cricket and they've been out in the field for what, 70 overs?

"They're professional cricketers," said Vaughan. "I can't be so old school to suggest that by playing cricket you might get a little bit better. I'd like to know why they wouldn't."

Ben Stokes, the captain, acknowledged that his team was in shock, but Nasser Hussain, another former captain, encouraged England to bounce back and win in Brisbane.

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