The English First-Choice Batters Miss Day-Night Tour Match

England's primary batters chose to miss a pink-ball practice game in the capital, even after a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists lost in under two days in Perth, creating an extended break ahead of the second day-night Test in Queensland.

The break opened up the option for squad members to participate in the development squad 48-hour pink-ball match against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, just pace bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – all of whom featured in the first Test – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

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

Ex- English Star Calls Move "Strange"

Upon learning the team were considering dispatching squad members to Canberra for the England Lions match, we assumed they would send those in need of practice.

Ex- English fast bowler and lead analyst continued:

England must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible of winning the series. The real test will be in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Experience

This match with the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for visiting teams down under.

The tourists have played in the game in past series in Australia, but was left out in their schedule this time because of a possible short gap to Brisbane had the Perth Test gone all five days.

Travel from Perth to Canberra takes almost 240 minutes, and a further 120-minute flight from Canberra to Queensland.

However, given the opening match was completed so quickly – marking the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of dispatching at least the batsmen to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Batting Struggles in First Test

• England dismissed twice in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team faced so few balls in losing a Test.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was one of just four England opening batsman to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one warm-up match prior to the Perth match, so the fixture in Canberra could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Ahead

In addition, the development game provided experience with the day-night ball, with England set to face a rare pink-ball Test.

England have lost 5 of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia have won thirteen from fourteen.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in Perth, Australia have the best day-night specialist in the game.

Among the probable XI in Brisbane, gloveman one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a red-ball game using a pink ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Position

Asked following the Perth match if England would alter preparations and send squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant they would not.

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

Head coach Brendon McCullum appeared to leave the door open 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 in a couple of days.

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

Concerns from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, former captain a well-known figure said it would be "amateurish" to pass up the chance to participate in the capital.

What harm is it 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 playing cricket they might get slightly improved?

The approach I'd take is, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

England will travel to Queensland on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. Exists the chance of an additional practice on Sunday.