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England's primary batsmen decided to skip a pink-ball practice game in the capital, even after a heavy defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists were beaten within 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an extended gap ahead of the upcoming day-night Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up the option for squad members to participate in the development squad 48-hour day-night match against a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only pace bowlers one bowler and another bowler, plus batter a young player – none of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the development squad.

It is understood that none of the Perth players asked to participate in the Canberra match.

Ex- English Player Describes Move "Bizarre"

When we heard England thought about sending squad members to the capital for the development squad game, we assumed it would be players requiring practice.

The former England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator added:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the series. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Experience

The fixture against the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for touring sides down under.

England have played in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but it was not from their plans this time due to a potential tight turnaround to Brisbane had the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Perth to Canberra requires almost 240 minutes, with a additional two-hour flight between the capital to Queensland.

However, given the first Test finished so quickly – marking the first two-day Test in the series in over a century – the idea of sending at least the batters to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Performance Issues in First Test

• England were bowled out twice in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team survived such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in either innings.
• The opener was only the fourth English opener to register a pair in an Ashes match.

England had just a single warm-up match before the Perth match, meaning the fixture in the capital could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

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

The tourists have lost 5 of their seven previous day-nighters, whereas the hosts have won 13 from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in Perth, the home side boast the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the likely line-up in Brisbane, gloveman Jamie Smith and fast bowler another have never played a red-ball game with a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Questioned after the first Test whether the team would alter preparations and send players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant they would not.

This question has come up repeatedly, that's how it was done in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and work incredibly hard whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Head coach Brendon McCullum appeared to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We've just got to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll work it out soon.

McCullum added that he was "sure" a batsman could play in Canberra if he wanted to.

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking recently, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "amateurish" to pass up the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

How could it hurt playing 48 hours of the game using the pink ball under lights?

He continued:

I can't be so old school 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 48-hour match, you go and grab it, go and take it, participate fully and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad will travel to Queensland on Wednesday and are not scheduled to train until Monday. Exists the chance of an additional practice on Sunday.