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The English primary batsmen chose to miss a day-night practice game in the capital, even after a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists lost within 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an extended gap before the second day-night Test in Queensland.

The break presented the chance for squad members to participate in the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball match versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, just pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batsman a young player – all of whom featured in the first Test – are set to go to join the development squad.

It is understood that not one of the Perth XI requested to play in the capital fixture.

Former England Star Calls Move "Unusual"

Upon learning England were considering sending players to the capital for the England Lions game, it was expected it would be those requiring match time.

Ex- England paceman and lead analyst added:

The team are responsible for their preparation and their performances on the field. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The real test comes in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

The fixture with the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams to Australia.

England participated in the fixture in previous series in Australia, but was left out in their schedule on this occasion because of a possible short gap to Brisbane if the Perth Test gone the full duration.

Travel from Perth to the capital requires almost four hours, and a further two-hour flight from Canberra and Brisbane.

However, considering the first Test was completed in just two days – marking the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of sending some of the batsmen to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Batting Issues in Perth

• England dismissed in both innings in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England faced so few balls in losing a Test.
• Both the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in either innings.
• The opener became one of just four England opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single warm-up match prior to the Perth match, meaning the fixture in Canberra could have offered valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Coming Up

In addition, the development game would have offered practice with the pink ball, with the team due to play a unusual pink-ball Test.

England have lost five of their seven previous day-nighters, whereas the hosts have won 13 from fourteen.

With a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in Perth, Australia boast the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the probable XI in the next Test, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and fast bowler another have never played a red-ball game using a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Position

Questioned following the Perth match if England would change preparations and send players to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that was the method in the past. We prepare thoroughly and work incredibly hard every day we get the opportunity.

Coach Brendon McCullum seemed to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We've just got to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll work it out soon.

McCullum added that he was "confident" a batter would be allowed to participate in the capital should they wish.

Concerns from Former Captain

Speaking on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan said it would be "amateurish" to pass up the chance to participate in Canberra.

What harm is it taking part in two days of cricket with the pink ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan continued:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by getting match practice they might get slightly improved?

My method is, you've got a pink-ball two-day game, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

The squad will travel to Queensland midweek and do not plan to train until Monday. Exists the possibility of an extra training session at the weekend.