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

The English primary batters have opted to skip a day-night practice game in the capital, despite a comprehensive defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England were beaten in under 48 hours in the first Test, creating an extended gap ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

This gap opened up the possibility for players to participate in the development squad two-day pink-ball match against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital this weekend.

Instead, only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batter a young player – all of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

Sources suggest that none of the first-Test players asked to play in the capital fixture.

Former England Player Calls Move "Unusual"

Upon learning England thought about dispatching squad members to Canberra for the development squad game, it was expected it would be those requiring practice.

Ex- English fast bowler and chief cricket commentator continued:

England are responsible for their preparation and their performances on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the series. The real test will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Experience

This match with the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides down under.

England participated in the fixture in past series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion because of a potential short gap to Brisbane had the Perth Test had lasted all five days.

Travel from Perth to Canberra requires just under four hours, with a further 120-minute journey between Canberra and Brisbane.

Yet, given the first Test was completed so quickly – marking the first two-day Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of sending at least the batters to the capital appeared to make sense.

Performance Struggles in First Test

• England were bowled out twice in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s has the team faced so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Both the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• The opener became one of just four England opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

The side had just a single warm-up match before the first Test, so the game in the capital would have provided valuable time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Challenge Ahead

In addition, the development game provided practice using the pink ball, with the team due to play a unusual pink-ball Test.

The tourists been defeated in 5 of their 7 prior day-nighters, while Australia have won thirteen from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, Australia boast the best day-night specialist in the world.

Among the probable XI in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler another have never played a red-ball game using a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Position

Asked after the Perth match whether England would alter preparations and send squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant they would not.

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

Coach the coach appeared to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We need to determine what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll work it out soon.

McCullum continued that he was "sure" a batsman could play in the capital should they wish.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking recently, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "amateurish" to decline the opportunity to play in the capital.

What harm is it taking part in 48 hours of cricket using the pink ball under lights?

Vaughan added:

I can't be so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they could become a little bit better?

My method is, there's a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

The squad will travel to Queensland on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. Exists the possibility of an additional practice on Sunday.