🔗 Share this article

England's primary batters chose to skip a pink-ball tour match in Canberra, even after a heavy loss in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists lost in under two days in Perth, creating an 11-day break ahead of the upcoming day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the chance for squad members to participate in the England Lions two-day pink-ball fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom played in the first Test – will travel and link up with the Lions.

Sources suggest that not one of the Perth players asked to play in the capital match.

Former England Player Calls Move "Unusual"

Upon learning England were considering sending squad members to the capital for the England Lions game, we assumed it would be players in need of practice.

Ex- England paceman and lead analyst added:

England must take charge of their preparation and how they perform on the field. It's their job to giving it their best shot of winning the series. The proof of the pudding will be with the results.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

This match against the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides to Australia.

England have played in the game in past Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule this time due to a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane if the Perth Test had lasted all five days.

The flight from Perth to the capital takes just under four hours, with a additional two-hour flight from Canberra and Brisbane.

However, given the first Test finished so quickly – the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of dispatching at least the batters to the capital appeared to be logical.

Performance Issues in First Test

• England dismissed twice in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s have England survived such a low number of deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Both the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley became only the fourth England opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

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

Rare Day-Night Test Coming Up

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

England have lost five of their seven prior day-nighters, whereas the hosts triumphed in 13 from 14.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side boast the top day-night specialist in the game.

Among the likely XI in Brisbane, gloveman one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match with a pink ball, while Brydon Carse has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Questioned following the first Test if the team would change preparations and send players to Canberra, the skipper remained firm in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that's how it was done a long time ago. We prepare incredibly well and work incredibly hard whenever possible to improve our game.

Head coach the coach seemed to leave the door open when he said:

We've just got to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll decide soon.

McCullum continued that he was "sure" a batsman would be allowed to participate in the capital should they wish.

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking recently, ex-skipper a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the chance to participate in Canberra.

How could it hurt taking part in 48 hours of the game with the day-night ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan continued:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by getting match practice they might get a little bit better?

My method would be, you've got a pink-ball 48-hour match, you go and grab it, go and take it, participate fully and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. There is the possibility of an extra training session at the weekend.