England's Canberra decision defended by Alec Stewart ahead of Ashes Brisbane build-up

Alec Stewart backs England's plan to skip Canberra for a Lions match, prioritizing team unity and targeted nets ahead of the Brisbane Test, with a clear emphasis on controlled preparation.

England's leadership faced a pivotal call as they opted to skip the Canberra warm-up. After a swift Perth defeat, the squad stayed on their planned path, prioritizing controlled practice before the Brisbane Test.

In Canberra, fringe members Jacob Bethell, Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts linked up with the England Lions for a day-night match against a Prime Minister's XI, mirroring the pink-ball conditions anticipated in Brisbane.

Critics were swift to respond. Former captain Michael Vaughan labelled the move nonsense, while INLIBER's cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew described the situation as bizarre.

Speaking to INLIBER Sport, Alec Stewart defended the stance: 'When you are inside the inner circle, you stick to your guns. Discuss it, then decide what’s best for the group, not what outsiders want.'

England's Perth capitulation – beaten in two days, a rare feat since 1921 – did little to change the plan. The Prime Minister's XI fixture was always on the Lions' calendar, but the long gap between Tests sparked debate about extra practice in Canberra.

Stewart noted that sending the entire squad to Canberra might not be necessary, arguing that a two-day turnaround can disrupt routines and that the team could better prep in nets in Queensland. A few players were pictured enjoying golf and others visiting an aquarium during downtime, underscoring a desire to keep morale high while staying focused.

Differences in conditions also matter. Manuka Oval's slower, cooler pitch contrasts with the Gabba's heat and bounce, prompting England to maintain a cohesive group rather than shuffle players into a Canberra game that could dilute their plans.

England's selection plan in doubt? Not over yet. The side's decision to stay cohesive will be tested as the series moves to Brisbane.
Prepare in controlled nets. England intends two floodlit sessions and net drills in Queensland ahead of the next Test.

Stewart, who spent a storied career as a captain and as England's senior figure, recalled the era of 'naughty boy nets' in the 1990s and warned against overdoing pre-Test practice just to appease external chatter. Maintaining unity and calm under pressure, he argued, remains crucial for a team chasing a first win in Australia since 2011.

Coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes have emphasised that this Ashes can define the journey, and Stewart urged patience as the team navigates a demanding campaign.

Ultimately, England believe a united squad, with disciplined preparation, gives them the best chance to overcome a tough Australian record in Brisbane and turn the corner in pink-ball cricket.

Key Takeaways

England sticks to its plan, delaying Canberra exposure after the Perth defeat.
The Lions face a pink-ball warm-up against the Prime Minister's XI with Bethell, Tongue and Potts in action.
Coaching staff prioritizes controlled nets and squad unity rather than reactive exposure to outside noise.
Condition differences between Manuka and the Gabba influence the preparation strategy.
Leadership from McCullum and Stokes remains pivotal as England chase a first win in Australia since 2011.

Expert comment

Jonathan Agnew notes that keeping the group cohesive can protect morale and performance, while avoiding overcooked 'naughty boy nets' sessions that disrupt balance. The plan now relies on focused nets and disciplined preparation in Queensland.

Summary

The Canberra decision underscores England's emphasis on unity and strategic prep over ad-hoc exposure after the Perth defeat. With Brisbane looming, the team aims to build confidence through targeted practice, maintaining a tight-knit squad and pink-ball readiness.