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England's primary batsmen chose to avoid a day-night practice game in the capital, despite a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists suffered defeat within two days in the first Test, leaving an 11-day gap ahead of the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the chance for squad members to join the development squad 48-hour day-night fixture versus a Prime Minister's XI in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batsman a young player – all of whom featured in the first Test – are set to go to join the development squad.

Reports indicate that none of the Perth players requested to play in the Canberra match.

Former English Star Calls Move "Strange"

Upon learning England were considering sending players to the capital for the England Lions match, we assumed they would send those requiring practice.

Ex- English paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

England must take charge of how they prepare and their performances on the field. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the series. The real test comes with the results.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Experience

This match with the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides to Australia.

England have played in the fixture in past series in Australia, but was left out from their plans on this occasion due to a possible short gap to Brisbane had the first match gone all five days.

The flight from Western Australia to the capital requires just under 240 minutes, and a additional two-hour journey from the capital to Brisbane.

However, considering the opening match was completed so quickly – the first two-day Test in the series since 1921 – the idea of dispatching some of the batters to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Batting Issues in First Test

• England dismissed twice in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s has the team survived so few balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was one of just four English opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes match.

England had just a single warm-up match before the first Test, meaning the game in Canberra would have provided valuable time in the middle.

Rare Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered practice with the day-night ball, as England set to face a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists have lost 5 of their seven previous day-nighters, while the hosts triumphed in 13 from 14.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, the home side boast the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the probable line-up in Brisbane, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match with a day-night ball, while a third has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Asked following the first Test if the team would change their plans and dispatch squad members to Canberra, the skipper remained firm they would not.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method in the past. We prepare incredibly well and train incredibly hard whenever possible to improve our game.

Coach the coach appeared to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We've just got to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

The coach added that he was "confident" a batsman would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to participate in Canberra.

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

Vaughan added:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by getting match practice they could become a little bit better?

The approach I'd take would be, you've got a pink-ball two-day game, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, participate fully and give yourself the best chance.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. Exists the possibility of an extra practice on Sunday.