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

England's main batters decided to avoid a day-night practice game in the capital, despite a heavy loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists lost in under 48 hours in Perth, creating an extended gap ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the option for squad members to join the development squad two-day day-night match versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the development squad.

It is understood that not one of the Perth players requested to play in the capital match.

Former England Star Describes Decision "Bizarre"

When we heard the team were considering dispatching players to Canberra for the development squad game, it was expected it would be players requiring match time.

Ex- English paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

England must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the Ashes. The real test comes in the eating.

Lost Chance for Day-Night Experience

The fixture with the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for touring sides down under.

The tourists have played in the game in previous series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule this time because of a possible short gap to the next Test had the first match gone the full duration.

The flight from Western Australia to Canberra requires almost 240 minutes, with a additional two-hour flight between the capital to Brisbane.

However, considering the opening match finished so quickly – the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of dispatching at least the batters to the capital seemed to be logical.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out twice in Perth inside 68 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s has the team survived such a low number of deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach 10 runs in both innings.
• The opener became only the fourth English opener to record a pair in an Ashes match.

The side played only one warm-up match before the first Test, meaning the game in Canberra would have provided valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

In addition, the development game provided practice with the pink ball, as the team due to play a rare day-night Test.

England have lost five of their 7 prior day-nighters, while the hosts have won thirteen from fourteen.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side boast the top pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the probable XI in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a red-ball game using a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Questioned after the Perth match whether the team would alter preparations and dispatch squad members to Canberra, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that's how it was done a long time ago. We prepare incredibly well and train incredibly hard every day we get the opportunity.

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

We need to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

The coach continued that he was "confident" a batsman would be allowed to participate in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

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

How could it hurt taking part in 48 hours of the game using the pink ball under lights?

Vaughan continued:

I can't be so old school to suggest that by getting match practice they might get slightly improved?

The approach I'd take would be, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

England are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. Exists the possibility of an additional training session at the weekend.