England's Top-Tier Batsmen Sit Out Pink-Ball Practice Game

England's main batsmen have opted to skip a pink-ball tour match in Canberra, despite a heavy loss in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England suffered defeat in under 48 hours in Perth, creating an 11-day gap before the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the possibility for players to participate in the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball fixture versus a invitational side in the capital this weekend.

Instead, only fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batsman Jacob Bethell – all of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel to join the Lions.

Reports indicate that none of the first-Test XI requested to participate in the capital match.

Former England Star Describes Move "Strange"

Upon learning the team were considering sending players to the capital for the England Lions game, we assumed it would be players requiring practice.

The former English fast bowler and lead analyst added:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the series. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

The fixture against the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for visiting teams down under.

England participated in the game in past Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans this time due to a potential tight turnaround to the next Test had the Perth Test had lasted all five days.

The flight from Perth to the capital requires just under 240 minutes, with a further two-hour journey between Canberra to Queensland.

However, given the first Test was completed in just two days – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of sending some of the batsmen to the capital appeared to be logical.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in the first Test inside 68 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England faced so few deliveries in losing a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper failed to reach double figures in both innings.
• The opener was one of just four England opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single warm-up match before the first Test, meaning the game in the capital could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Rare Day-Night Test Coming Up

In addition, the development game would have offered experience using the pink ball, as England set to face a unusual pink-ball Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their 7 prior day-nighters, while Australia triumphed in 13 from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, Australia boast the best day-night specialist in the world.

Of England's probable XI in the next Test, gloveman one player and fast bowler another have never played a first-class match using a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Asked following the Perth match whether the team would change preparations and send squad members to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare incredibly well and work incredibly hard whenever possible to improve our game.

Coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he said:

We need to work out what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll work it out soon.

McCullum added that he was "sure" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra should they wish.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting recently, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the opportunity to participate in the capital.

What harm is it taking part in 48 hours of the game with the pink ball in evening conditions?

He added:

I can't be so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they might get slightly improved?

My method is, there's a day-night two-day game, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, participate fully and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad will travel to Brisbane midweek and do not plan to practice until Monday. There is the possibility of an extra practice at the weekend.