England's Top-Tier Batsmen Sit Out Day-Night Practice Game

The English primary batsmen chose to miss a pink-ball tour match in Canberra, despite a heavy loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists lost within 48 hours in Perth, leaving an 11-day gap before the second pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the option for squad members to participate in the England Lions two-day pink-ball fixture versus a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, just pace bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, plus batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the Lions.

It is understood that none of the Perth players asked to participate in the capital match.

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When we heard England were considering sending squad members to the capital for the England Lions game, it was expected it would be players requiring practice.

Ex- English fast bowler and lead analyst 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 real test will be with the results.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Experience

The fixture with the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides down under.

The tourists have played in the fixture in past series in Australia, but it was not from their plans on this occasion because of a possible short gap to Brisbane had the Perth Test had lasted all five days.

Travel from Perth to the capital requires almost four hours, with a additional two-hour journey from Canberra and Brisbane.

Yet, considering the first Test finished so quickly – the first 48-hour Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of dispatching at least the batsmen to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Batting Issues in Perth

• England dismissed in both innings in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team faced so few balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in both innings.
• The opener was one of just four England opener to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

England played only one warm-up match prior to the first Test, meaning the fixture in the capital would have provided valuable batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Ahead

In addition, the Lions match provided practice using the day-night ball, as the team set to face a rare pink-ball Test.

England been defeated in five of their seven previous day-nighters, while the hosts triumphed in thirteen from 14.

With Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side have the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's probable XI in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match using a day-night ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Team Management Position

Asked following the first Test whether England would alter their plans and send players to Canberra, the skipper remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done in the past. Our preparations incredibly well and train incredibly hard whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Coach Brendon McCullum seemed to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We've just got to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll decide soon.

McCullum added 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 stated it would be "amateurish" to pass up the opportunity to participate in the capital.

How could it hurt playing two days of cricket using the day-night ball in evening conditions?

He added:

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

My method would be, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you go and grab it, go and take it, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

England are scheduled to fly to Queensland on Wednesday and do not plan to practice before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an additional training session at the weekend.