Alastair Cook's men have arrived in Canberra chasing their first win of a soul-crushing tour that has so far resulted in a 5-0 Ashes whitewash and a defeat in the opening match of the one-day international series two days ago.

And Lee is intent on making sure their trip to Manuka Oval on Tuesday is one to forget.

''We don't want to let England back in the game for the Australians,'' he said.

''It's my job to make sure we make life as tough as possible.

''England just need to post a big score or someone to get a lot of runs or a bag of wickets to get back into the series.''

Lee's attempts could be hampered by a PM's XI side featuring just three specialist batsmen after the withdrawal of Chris Lynn with a knee injury on Monday.

His spot has been taken by Craig McDermott's son, 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Ben McDermott, who is yet to play a first-class or domestic one-day game.

That places a lot of pressure on the shoulders of veteran Brad Hodge, once-capped Australian Twenty20 international Luke Pomersbach and ACT Comets batsman Michael Spaseski to score the bulk of the runs on a traditionally high-scoring ground.

On the other hand, the PM's XI boasts a quality bowling attack, featuring Lee, fringe Test paceman Jackson Bird, Alister McDermott and Ben Cutting, who is a more than handy lower-order batsman.

With the exception of Lee, who plays for the Sydney Sixers, only players from Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars have been chosen in the PM's XI to limit the impact on the Big Bash League.

''I think we've got a very well-balanced side,'' Lee said.

''Yes, people might think we're a bit bowler heavy, but someone like Brad Hodge has a lot of experience as does Luke Pomersbach. Those guys that have experience can lead the younger guys through.

''Jackson Bird has come back from injury, so I'm looking forward to sharing the new ball with him.''

England won't reveal its side until close to the 2.20pm start time, but it is expected to have a couple of changes to the team that lost to Australia at the MCG on Sunday.

One of those could be Cook, who could be rested before the second one-day match on Friday at the Gabba.

Cook has hardly hit one out of the middle this summer, averaging just 22.72 in 11 innings against Australia.

Chris Jordan, who bowled with plenty of pace and aggression in just his second one-day international on Sunday, said there was still plenty of confidence in the side despite its losing streak.

''The feeling in the camp is very good, very vibrant,'' Jordan said.

''It's just a matter of executing those skills on the day, and I'm sure we'll come up with a win.''