The English Primary Batters Miss Pink-Ball Practice Game

England's key batsmen chose to skip a pink-ball tour match in the capital, even after a heavy defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England suffered defeat within two days in Perth, creating an extended gap before the second pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the option for squad members to participate in the development squad 48-hour pink-ball fixture versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra this weekend.

However, just fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batsman a young player – none of whom played in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the Lions.

Reports indicate that none of the first-Test XI asked to play in the capital match.

Former English Player Calls Decision "Bizarre"

When we heard England thought about dispatching squad members to the capital for the development squad match, we assumed it would be those in need of practice.

The former England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator added:

The team must take charge of their preparation and how they perform during matches. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding will be with the results.

Lost Chance for Pink-Ball Experience

This match with the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for visiting teams down under.

England participated in the game in previous series in Australia, but was left out from their plans on this occasion because of a possible tight turnaround to the next Test if the first match gone the full duration.

Travel from Perth to the capital requires just under 240 minutes, with a additional two-hour flight from the capital and Brisbane.

Yet, considering the opening match finished in just two days – marking the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of dispatching at least the batsmen to the capital appeared to make sense.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England survived such a low number of balls in losing a Test match.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four English opener to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single practice game prior to the first Test, meaning the game in the capital could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Coming Up

In addition, the development game would have offered practice with the pink ball, with the team due to play a unusual pink-ball Test.

The tourists have lost five of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts triumphed in thirteen from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia have the top day-night specialist in the world.

Among the likely XI in Brisbane, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match with a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Questioned after the Perth match whether the team would change preparations and dispatch players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations incredibly well and train intensely every day we get the opportunity.

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

We need to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

McCullum added that he was "confident" a batsman could play in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking recently, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to participate in the capital.

How could it hurt playing 48 hours of cricket with the day-night ball in evening conditions?

He continued:

I can't be so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they might get slightly improved?

The approach I'd take is, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you go and grab it, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the optimal preparation.

England will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. There is the possibility of an extra practice at the weekend.