England backs Canberra decision as Stewart urges staying the course for Ashes

Introduction

England has chosen not to send players who featured in Perth to Canberra for a Lions fixture, opting instead for focused preparation ahead of the Brisbane Test. Former captain Alec Stewart publicly supported the decision, saying the group should stay focused and resist outside pressure.

The decision and context

The Lions will fulfill the Prime Minister's XI match in Canberra, a day-night pink-ball game mirroring the conditions of next week’s second Ashes Test in Brisbane. Jacob Bethell, Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts – who did not play in Perth – are set to join the Lions for the fixture.

England’s choice comes after a rapid Perth defeat and amid calls for senior players to gain Canberra exposure, but the plan remains intact with the team travelling to Brisbane later in the week.

Why Canberra mattered and the team’s plan

With an 11-day gap between Tests, England prioritized controlled net sessions in Queensland over an extended tour match. The aim is to sharpen specific skills, manage workloads and preserve team chemistry in a challenging series opener environment.

Stewart told INLIBER Sport: 'When you're in the inner sanctum, stick to your guns. Talk about it, then make decisions that you believe are right for the group, not what the outside world is thinking.'

The Perth Test ended in two days, marking the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 and fueling debate about the value of Canberra practice. England’s travel plans remain unchanged; they will fly to Brisbane on Wednesday, prioritizing preparation over ad hoc exposure.

Stewart argues the plan is about collective resilience rather than personal protection. 'If they had won in two days would anyone be saying they should go to Canberra? They’ve lost in two days, but I don’t see why they should deviate from what they had planned.'

Differences in conditions between Manuka Oval and the Gabba also influenced the decision. The Lions’ fixture could unfold on a slow, low surface in cooler weather, while Brisbane’s conditions are expected to be more challenging with a bouncy pitch and tropical heat. Australia’s pink-ball strength, led by Mitchell Starc, adds to the challenge for England, who have struggled in day-night Tests in the past.

Net practice and preparation

England prefer a focused prep phase in Queensland nets rather than overexposing the squad to additional match time. Two training sessions will be held under floodlights ahead of the second Test, part of an effort to replicate Brisbane’s conditions without unnecessary workload.

Stewart recalled the old era of intense extra training but warned against a repeat of the infamous 'naughty boy nets' approach. 'Naughty boy nets is not how you should work,' he said, emphasizing purposeful, well-structured practice.

Impact on team morale

Maintaining a cohesive squad is a core part of England’s strategy, aiming to preserve morale and camaraderie ahead of a tough away series. England have not won a Test in Brisbane since 1986, and their pink-ball record is limited, while Australia’s day-night strength remains formidable.

Coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes have stressed that the Canberra decision should be judged by results in Brisbane, not by immediate mid-tour exposure. Stewart supports that approach, urging patience and unity in the face of outside noise.

Conclusion

England’s leadership remains committed to a measured plan, balancing rest, preparation and group cohesion. The coming days will reveal whether this approach translates into a stronger performance in Brisbane and a steadier footing for the Ashes campaign.

Key takeaways

• England stays with its planned schedule after the Perth defeat.
• The Canberra fixture provides limited mid-tour exposure, prompting debate about pink-ball practice.
• Net-focused preparation in Queensland aims to sharpen skills for Brisbane while protecting squad unity.

Expert comment

Expert view: A cricket analyst notes that keeping the squad intact can boost morale and readiness for a tougher Brisbane challenge, even if it costs some immediate practice time. The balance between training, rest and unity could prove decisive in the Ashes battle.

Summary

The Perth result forced a reappraisal of England's plan, but officials insist the Canberra decision is strategic, not reactive. By prioritizing net-based preparation and squad cohesion, England aim to rebound in Brisbane against a well-drilled Australian side. The coming days will test whether this approach delivers the focus and performance required.

England's plan centers on disciplined preparation and group unity to rebound in Brisbane. Source