🔗 Share this article

The English primary batsmen decided to avoid a day-night tour match in Canberra, despite a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists were beaten in under 48 hours in the first Test, creating an extended break ahead of the second day-night Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up the chance for players to participate in the development squad 48-hour day-night match versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, only fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batter a young player – all of whom played in the first Test – are set to go to join the development squad.

It is understood that not one of the Perth XI requested to participate in the capital match.

Former English Star Calls Decision "Strange"

Upon learning England thought about dispatching squad members to Canberra for the development squad match, we assumed it would be those requiring match time.

Ex- English fast bowler and lead analyst added:

England are responsible for how they prepare and their performances on the field. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the series. The real test comes in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

This match with the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides to Australia.

England have played in the game in previous Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule this time because of a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane if the first match had lasted the full duration.

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

Yet, given the first Test was completed in just two days – marking the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of dispatching at least the batsmen to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Performance Issues in Perth

• England were bowled out in both innings in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England faced such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper failed to reach 10 runs in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth England opener to register a pair in an Ashes match.

The side played only one warm-up match prior to the first Test, so the game in the capital would have provided valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Coming Up

In addition, the Lions match would have offered experience with the pink ball, with the team set to face a unusual pink-ball Test.

England have lost 5 of their 7 prior pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts have won thirteen from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who took a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, the home side boast the top day-night specialist in the game.

Of England's probable line-up in Brisbane, gloveman one player and pace bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game using a pink ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Questioned following the first Test whether the team would alter preparations and send squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method in the past. Our preparations incredibly well and train intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Head coach Brendon McCullum appeared to leave the door open when he stated:

We need to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll decide soon.

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

Concerns from Former Captain

Speaking on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to play in the capital.

What harm is it playing 48 hours of the game with the day-night ball in evening conditions?

He continued:

I can't be so old school to suggest that by playing cricket they might get a little bit better?

The approach I'd take would be, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

England will travel to Brisbane midweek and are not scheduled to train before the start of the week. There is the possibility of an additional training session at the weekend.