The English Top-Tier Batsmen Sit Out Pink-Ball Practice Game

England's main batsmen decided to avoid a day-night practice game in the capital, despite a heavy defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England suffered defeat in under two days in Perth, leaving an extended break ahead of the second day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the possibility for players to participate in the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball match against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital this weekend.

However, only pace bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batsman a young player – all of whom played in the Perth match – will travel to join the development squad.

Sources suggest that not one of the Perth players requested to participate in the capital fixture.

Ex- England Player Describes Move "Strange"

When we heard England thought about dispatching players to Canberra for the development squad game, we assumed they would send those requiring practice.

Ex- English fast bowler and lead analyst added:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and their performances during matches. It's their job to doing everything possible of winning the Ashes. The real test will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

The fixture against the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides down under.

England participated in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans this time because of a potential short gap to Brisbane if the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Perth to the capital takes just under four hours, with a further 120-minute journey from the capital to Brisbane.

Yet, given the first Test finished in just two days – the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of sending some of the batters to the capital appeared to be logical.

Performance Struggles in First Test

• The tourists dismissed in both innings in Perth inside 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England survived so few balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley became only the fourth 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 fixture in Canberra could have offered much-needed time in the middle.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Ahead

In addition, the development game would have offered practice using the day-night ball, with England set to face a unusual day-night Test.

England have lost five of their seven prior day-nighters, while the hosts have won 13 from 14.

With Mitchell Starc, who took a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, Australia have the top day-night specialist in the world.

Among the likely XI in Brisbane, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game using a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Questioned after the Perth match whether the team would alter preparations and dispatch squad members to Canberra, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up a lot, that was the method a long time ago. We prepare incredibly well and train incredibly hard whenever possible to improve our game.

Coach the coach appeared to leave the door open when he stated:

We need to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married to a fixed plan currently, but we'll work it out soon.

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

Criticism from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

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

Vaughan added:

I can't be so old school to suggest that by getting match practice they might get slightly improved?

The approach I'd take would be, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland on Wednesday and do not plan to train until Monday. Exists the possibility of an additional practice at the weekend.