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England's primary batters chose to skip a pink-ball practice game in the capital, even after a comprehensive defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England were beaten within 48 hours in Perth, creating an 11-day gap before the second day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the possibility for players to participate in the England Lions 48-hour day-night fixture against a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the Perth match – are set to go to join the development squad.

Reports indicate that not one of the first-Test players requested to play in the capital fixture.

Former English Player Calls Move "Strange"

Upon learning the team were considering sending players to the capital for the England Lions match, we assumed they would send those in need of match time.

Ex- English fast bowler and lead analyst continued:

The team are responsible for how they prepare and their performances during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the Ashes. The real test comes in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

The fixture with the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides to Australia.

England participated in the game in previous Ashes tours, but it was not from their plans on this occasion because of a possible short gap to the next Test had the Perth Test gone the full duration.

The flight from Perth to Canberra requires almost four hours, and a further 120-minute flight between Canberra and Queensland.

Yet, considering the opening match was completed so quickly – marking the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of sending at least the batsmen to Canberra seemed to make sense.

Performance Issues in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England survived so few deliveries in losing a Test.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became only the fourth English opening batsman to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single warm-up match before the Perth match, so the fixture in the capital would have provided valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered experience using the pink ball, as the team set to face a rare pink-ball Test.

England have lost five of their 7 previous day-nighters, while Australia triumphed in thirteen from fourteen.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, Australia have the best day-night specialist in the game.

Among the probable line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match with a day-night ball, while a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Position

Questioned after the first Test if the team would change their plans and dispatch players to the capital, the skipper remained firm they would not.

This question has come up a lot, that's how it was done in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and train incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

Coach the coach appeared to leave the door open when he stated:

We need to determine what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide soon.

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

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper a well-known figure stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the opportunity to play in the capital.

What harm is it taking part in 48 hours of the game with the pink ball under lights?

He continued:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by playing cricket they might get slightly improved?

My method is, there's a day-night two-day game, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

England will travel to Brisbane midweek and do not plan to train until Monday. Exists the possibility of an additional training session on Sunday.