England have been criticised for a 'crazy' decision as they seek to reignite their Ashes hopes ahead of a crucial second Test in Brisbane.
The tourists made a dismal start to the series, losing the first Test by eight wickets following a disastrous second innings.
After scoring 172 in their first innings, England's bowlers played well to give the side a 40-run lead heading into the second innings.
But a batting collapse that saw them lose three wickets in six deliveries without scoring a run handed the game to Australia.
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From that position, Travis Head seized the initiative with the bat, smashing a century off 69 balls - the second fastest Ashes century in history.
The first Test was over in just two days and England's wait for a Test victory in Australia since 2010/11 continues.
Now, head coach Brendon McCullum faces the unenviable task of lifting his team ahead of the next match in Brisbane on December 4.
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Despite having an 11-day break between matches, England have decided against sending their first-choice batters to play in England Lions' game against a Prime Minister's XI.
Only bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batter Jacob Bethell, will leave the Ashes squad to feature for the Lions.
The BBC reported that none of England's players from the first Test asked to play.
The decision has been widely criticised by supporters on social media, who feel England's batters need time in the middle to regain form.
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One fan wrote: "Absolutely pathetic. The batters made rash decisions in Perth and generally look undercooked.
"How is that going to improve if they don't spend time in the middle?"
Another added: "Crazy and pretty arrogant decision. Must win in Brisbane or a truck load of criticism is coming their way."
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However, some fans argued that playing for the Lions would not solve England's batting issues.
"Don’t really care," one fan wrote.
"They have a full Lions squad out there specifically for this.
"They didn’t collapse vs Australia because they needed more practice out in the middle. The problem isn’t getting themselves in decent nick, it’s attitude."
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Former England captain Michael Vaughan is among those who believe England should use a pink-ball warm-up game to prepare for the next Test.
Speaking on BBC's Test Match Special, he said: "I would say it's amateurish if they don't go and play.
"What damage is it going to do you as a team and as a player to play a pink-ball game to prepare yourself to play a pink-ball game against Starc?
"I can't be so old school to suggest playing cricket, you get a little bit better.
"I'd like to know why they wouldn't; they are professional cricketers, and I think they should go and prepare and play that pink-ball game."
Topics: Cricket, Ben Stokes
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