Though the first Ashes Test came to a conclusion in just two days and there is a long break before the second match takes place, England have opted to not send any of their regulars for the pink-ball warm-up match that will be held between their Lions side and Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra. Instead, they have decided to send the likes of Jacob Bethell, Matthew Potts and Josh Tongue for the match.
With the second Test in Brisbane set to be played in day-night format, it was expected that both teams would send their regulars for the warm-up game, however England have decided to go against that.
Vaughan totally against England's decision
This decision hasn't sit well at all with former England captain Michael Vaughan, who remarked that there is no harm in playing two-day pink-ball match and highlighted how difficult it can be to face the pink ball without any proper preparation.
“It’s amateurish if they don’t go and play now. What harm is playing two days of cricket with a pink ball under lights? It’s not being old-school to suggest that a pink ball is different to a red ball. Playing under the lights is different. Australia have won pretty much every pink-ball game in Australia: they’ve lost once. I’m not too old-school to suggest that they should play in that game… I’d like to know why they wouldn’t," Vaughan said.
England's dismal batting display in 1st Test
Another reason why it was expected that England will send their regulars for the match was due to their poor batting performance in the first Test. They had gotten bundled out for 172 and 164 runs in the first and second innings respectively. Their bowling also wasn't at their best especially during Australia's second innings where they conceded 205 runs in just a little over 28 overs. Travis Head totally dismantled their bowling attack with his knock of 123 runs from just 83 deliveries that helped the Baggy Greens in cruising to a comprehensive 8-wicket win.
Australia have a phenomenal record when it comes to pink-ball matches on their home turf and England's poor record at The Gabba doesn't help their outlook. It remains to be seen as to who will emerge victorious in the much-anticipated Brisbane Test that will begin from December 4.