🔗 Share this article

The English key batsmen have opted to miss a pink-ball tour match in the capital, despite a comprehensive loss in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists were beaten within 48 hours in Perth, leaving an extended break ahead of the second pink-ball Test in Queensland.

This gap opened up the option for players to join the development squad two-day day-night match against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, just fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom played in the first Test – will travel to join the Lions.

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

Ex- English Player Describes Decision "Strange"

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 match time.

Ex- England fast bowler and lead analyst continued:

England must take charge of how they prepare and their performances during matches. It's their job to giving it their best shot of winning the Ashes. The real test will be in the eating.

Lost Chance for Pink-Ball Experience

The fixture against the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for touring sides to Australia.

The tourists have played in the fixture in past series in Australia, but was left out from their plans on this occasion because of a possible short gap to Brisbane had the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Perth to Canberra takes just under 240 minutes, with a further two-hour flight between the capital to Brisbane.

Yet, given the first Test was completed so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of sending at least the batters to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Performance Issues in Perth

• England were bowled out twice in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s has the team faced such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test.
• Both the skipper and ex-skipper failed to reach 10 runs in both innings.
• The opener was one of just four English opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one warm-up match before the first Test, meaning the fixture in the capital could have offered valuable batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

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

The tourists have lost five of their 7 prior pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts triumphed in 13 from fourteen.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side boast the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the probable line-up in Brisbane, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match using a day-night ball, while a third has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Asked following the first Test whether England would alter their plans and send squad members to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm they would not.

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

Coach the coach appeared to suggest flexibility when he said:

We need to work out what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide soon.

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

Concerns from Former Captain

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

What harm is it playing two days of cricket with the day-night ball under lights?

He continued:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they might get slightly improved?

My method would be, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you go and grab it, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to practice before the start of the week. Exists the chance of an extra training session at the weekend.