🔗 Share this article

England's main batters have opted to avoid a day-night tour match in the capital, even after a heavy defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England suffered defeat within 48 hours in the first Test, creating an 11-day break before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break opened up the possibility for players to join the development squad 48-hour pink-ball match against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only pace bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batsman a young player – none of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go to join the Lions.

Reports indicate that not one of the first-Test players requested to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Former English Star Describes Move "Unusual"

Upon learning the team were considering sending squad members to Canberra for the England Lions game, we assumed they would send those requiring match time.

The former English paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

The team are responsible for their preparation and their performances on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible of winning the Ashes. The real test will be in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

This match against the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides to Australia.

England participated in the game in past series in Australia, but was left out in their schedule on this occasion due to a possible tight turnaround to the next Test if the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

The flight from Western Australia to the capital takes just under four hours, with a further 120-minute journey between Canberra to Queensland.

Yet, considering the first Test was completed so quickly – the first 48-hour Test in the series in over a century – the thought of dispatching at least the batsmen to Canberra seemed to make sense.

Batting Issues in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team survived so few balls in losing a Test match.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth English opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

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

Rare Day-Night Test Coming Up

In addition, the Lions match would have offered experience using the pink ball, with England due to play a unusual day-night Test.

England been defeated in five of their 7 previous day-nighters, while Australia have won thirteen from 14.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia have the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

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

Team Management Stance

Asked following the first Test whether England would change their plans and dispatch squad members to Canberra, the skipper remained firm in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method in the past. We prepare thoroughly and train incredibly hard every day we get the opportunity.

Head coach Brendon McCullum seemed to suggest flexibility when he said:

We need to work out what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to any position at the moment, but we'll decide soon.

McCullum continued that he was "confident" 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 "amateurish" to decline the chance to play in the capital.

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 traditional to propose that by getting match practice they might get slightly improved?

The approach I'd take would be, there's a day-night two-day game, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane midweek and are not scheduled to train before the start of the week. Exists the chance of an extra practice on Sunday.