England's First-Choice Batters Sit Out Pink-Ball Tour Match

The English main batters decided to skip a day-night tour match in Canberra, despite a devastating defeat in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England lost within two days in the first Test, leaving an extended gap ahead of the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

The break presented the possibility for players to join the England Lions two-day day-night fixture versus a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, just pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batter a young player – none of whom featured in the first Test – are set to go to join the development squad.

Reports indicate that not one of the first-Test XI asked to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Former English Player Describes Decision "Strange"

Upon learning England were considering dispatching squad members to the capital for the England Lions game, it was expected it would be those requiring practice.

The former English fast bowler and chief cricket commentator added:

England must take charge of how they prepare and their performances during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible of winning the series. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

This match against the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides down under.

The tourists have played in the game in past Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans on this occasion because of a potential tight turnaround to Brisbane if the first match had lasted all five days.

The flight from Western Australia to Canberra takes just under 240 minutes, and a further 120-minute flight from Canberra to Queensland.

Yet, given the first Test was completed in just two days – marking the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the idea of sending some of the batsmen to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Performance Issues in Perth

• The tourists dismissed in both innings in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England survived such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper failed to reach 10 runs in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was one of just four England opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

The side had just a single warm-up match before the Perth match, meaning the fixture in the capital would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

Furthermore, the development game provided experience using the day-night ball, with the team set to face a unusual day-night Test.

England been defeated in five of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, while Australia have won thirteen from 14.

With Mitchell Starc, who took a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, Australia boast the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's probable XI in Brisbane, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game with a pink ball, and a third has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Questioned following the first Test if England would change preparations and send players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done a long time ago. We prepare thoroughly and train intensely every day we get the opportunity.

Head coach Brendon McCullum seemed to suggest flexibility when he said:

We've just got to work out what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll decide soon.

The coach continued that he was "confident" a batter could play in the capital if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking recently, ex-skipper a well-known figure stated it would be "amateurish" to pass up the chance to play in Canberra.

What harm is it playing 48 hours of the game with the pink ball under lights?

He continued:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by getting match practice they might get slightly improved?

The approach I'd take would be, there's a day-night two-day game, you go and grab it, make the most of it, play those two days and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to train before the start of the week. There is the possibility of an extra practice on Sunday.