England's Top-Tier Batters Skip Pink-Ball Tour Match

The English main batters decided to avoid a pink-ball practice game in the capital, even after a comprehensive loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists lost within 48 hours in Perth, creating an extended break before the second day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the possibility for squad members to participate in the development squad 48-hour day-night match against a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only pace bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batsman a young player – none of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

Sources suggest that none of the Perth players requested to play in the capital fixture.

Former England Player Describes Move "Strange"

When we heard the team were considering dispatching squad members to the capital for the England Lions game, we assumed it would be those in need of match time.

The former English fast bowler and chief cricket commentator continued:

The team must take charge of their preparation and their performances during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The real test comes in the eating.

Lost Chance for Day-Night Practice

The fixture with the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for visiting teams to Australia.

England participated in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but it was not from their plans this time because of a potential short gap to Brisbane if the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital takes just under 240 minutes, and a further two-hour journey between the capital to Brisbane.

Yet, given the first Test finished so quickly – the first two-day 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

• England dismissed in both innings in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s have England survived so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper failed to reach 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became only the fourth England opening batsman to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

The side played only one warm-up match before the Perth match, meaning the game in the capital could have offered much-needed time in the middle.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Ahead

In addition, the Lions match provided practice with the day-night ball, as the team due to play a rare day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their 7 prior pink-ball Tests, while the hosts have won thirteen from 14.

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

Of England's likely XI in the next Test, gloveman one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a red-ball game with a pink ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Leadership Position

Asked following the first Test whether England would change preparations and dispatch players to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes was adamant they would not.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done a long time ago. We prepare incredibly well and work incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

Head coach the coach appeared to suggest flexibility when he said:

We've just got to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll work it out soon.

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

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking on Saturday, ex-skipper a well-known figure stated it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

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

Vaughan continued:

It's hard to believe so old school to propose that by playing cricket they could become a little bit better?

My method is, you've got a pink-ball two-day game, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

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