The English Top-Tier Batters Miss Day-Night Practice Game

England's primary batsmen decided to miss a day-night tour match in Canberra, despite a comprehensive loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists were beaten in under two days in the first Test, leaving an 11-day gap ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up the chance for squad members to join the development squad two-day pink-ball match against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital this weekend.

However, only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, plus batsman a young player – all of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

Reports indicate that none of the first-Test players requested to participate in the Canberra match.

Former English Player Calls Decision "Unusual"

When we heard England thought about sending squad members to Canberra for the development squad game, it was expected they would send those in need of match time.

The former English fast bowler and chief cricket commentator continued:

England are responsible for their preparation and their performances on the field. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the series. The real test will be with the results.

Lost Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

This match against the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams to Australia.

The tourists have played in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans this time because of a potential tight turnaround to the next Test if the first match had lasted all five days.

Travel from Perth to the capital takes almost four hours, and a further 120-minute journey between the capital to Brisbane.

However, given the opening match was completed so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of sending some of the batters to the capital appeared to be logical.

Batting Issues in First Test

• England dismissed twice in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team faced such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Both the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in either innings.
• The opener was one of just four England opener to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single practice game prior to the first Test, meaning the fixture in the capital would have provided valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Ahead

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered experience with the day-night ball, with England due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

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

In pace bowler a key bowler, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, the home side boast the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the likely XI in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match using a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Position

Asked after the first Test if England would change preparations and dispatch players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare thoroughly and train intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

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

We've just got to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position at the moment, but we'll decide soon.

McCullum continued that he was "sure" a batter would be allowed to participate in the capital if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting recently, ex-skipper a well-known figure stated it would be "amateurish" to pass up the chance to play in Canberra.

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

He continued:

It's hard to believe so traditional to suggest that by getting match practice they might get slightly improved?

My method is, there's a pink-ball two-day game, you go and grab it, go and take it, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

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