🔗 Share this article

England's main batsmen decided to avoid a day-night tour match in the capital, despite a comprehensive defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

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

This gap presented the possibility for squad members to participate in the development squad two-day day-night match versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, only fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel to join the development squad.

Sources suggest that not one of the first-Test XI asked to participate in the capital fixture.

Ex- English Player Describes Move "Bizarre"

When we heard England were considering sending players to the capital for the England Lions game, we assumed they would send players requiring match time.

The former English paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and their performances on the field. It's their job to giving it their best shot of winning the series. The real test will be with the results.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Experience

This match against the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for touring sides to Australia.

The tourists have played in the game in past series in Australia, but it was not from their plans this time due to a potential short gap to Brisbane had the first match gone the full duration.

The flight from Perth to Canberra takes just under four hours, and a further 120-minute flight between the capital to Brisbane.

Yet, given the opening match finished in just two days – the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of dispatching some of the batsmen to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Performance Issues in First Test

• England dismissed in both innings in the first Test in under 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England survived such a low number of deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root failed to reach 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 had just a single warm-up match prior to the first Test, meaning the game in Canberra could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

In addition, the development game would have offered experience with the day-night ball, as England set to face a rare day-night Test.

The tourists have lost five of their seven prior day-nighters, while the hosts have won thirteen from 14.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in Perth, the home side boast the top pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the likely line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a red-ball game using a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Asked after the first Test whether England would alter preparations and send squad members to the capital, the skipper remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that's how it was done a long time ago. Our preparations thoroughly and train intensely every day to improve our game.

Head coach the coach appeared to leave the door open when he said:

We've just got to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to any position at the moment, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

McCullum continued that he was "sure" a batter could play in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Speaking on Saturday, ex-skipper a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the opportunity to play in Canberra.

What harm is it playing 48 hours of the game with the day-night ball in evening conditions?

He added:

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

My method would be, there's a pink-ball two-day game, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad will travel to Queensland on Wednesday and do not plan to train before the start of the week. There is the possibility of an additional practice at the weekend.