The English Top-Tier Batsmen Miss Pink-Ball Tour Match

The English key batters chose to avoid a pink-ball tour match in Canberra, despite a heavy defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England suffered defeat in under two days in the first Test, creating an 11-day gap ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the chance for squad members to join the development squad 48-hour day-night match versus a Prime Minister's XI in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – all of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go to join the development squad.

Sources suggest that none of the Perth XI requested to play in the capital match.

Ex- England Star Describes Decision "Bizarre"

Upon learning England were considering sending squad members to the capital for the development squad match, we assumed it would be players in need of match time.

Ex- English paceman and lead analyst continued:

England must take charge of how they prepare and their performances on the field. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding comes with the results.

Missed Chance for Day-Night Experience

This match with the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams to Australia.

The tourists have played in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule this time due to a possible short gap to Brisbane if the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

The flight from Western Australia to Canberra takes just under four hours, with a additional two-hour flight from the capital to Queensland.

However, considering the first Test finished in just two days – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the idea of sending at least the batsmen to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Performance Issues in Perth

• England were bowled out in both innings in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England survived such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in both innings.
• The opener was only the fourth England opening batsman to record a pair in an Ashes match.

England played only one practice game before the first Test, meaning the fixture in the capital would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

In addition, the Lions match would have offered practice with the day-night ball, with England due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

England have lost 5 of their seven prior day-nighters, whereas Australia have won thirteen from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, Australia have the top day-night specialist in the game.

Among the likely line-up in Brisbane, gloveman Jamie Smith and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a red-ball game using a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Position

Questioned following the first Test whether England would alter preparations and send squad members to the capital, the skipper was adamant they would not.

This question has come up a lot, that's how it was done in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and work intensely whenever possible to improve our game.

Coach Brendon McCullum seemed to leave the door open when he said:

We've just got to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

McCullum continued that he was "sure" a batter could play in Canberra should they wish.

Concerns from Former Captain

Commenting recently, ex-skipper a well-known figure stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to participate in the capital.

What harm is it taking part in 48 hours of cricket with the day-night ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan added:

It's hard to believe so old school to suggest that by getting match practice they could become slightly improved?

The approach I'd take is, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you go and grab it, make the most of it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

The squad will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to train before the start of the week. There is the chance of an extra practice at the weekend.