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The English key batsmen decided to miss a day-night tour match in Canberra, even after a devastating loss in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists lost within 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an extended gap ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the chance for players to participate in the development squad two-day pink-ball fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

Reports indicate that none of the first-Test XI asked to participate in the Canberra match.

Ex- England Star Describes Move "Unusual"

When we heard the team thought about sending players to Canberra for the England Lions game, it was expected it would be players requiring match time.

The former England paceman and lead analyst added:

England are responsible for how they prepare and their performances during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the Ashes. The real test comes with the results.

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

The fixture against the invitational side is a tradition for visiting teams to Australia.

England have played in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule this time because of a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane had the Perth Test had lasted all five days.

The flight from Western Australia to the capital takes almost 240 minutes, and a additional two-hour flight from Canberra to Brisbane.

However, considering the first Test was completed so quickly – the first two-day Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of sending at least the batters to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Performance Issues in Perth

• The tourists dismissed twice in Perth inside 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 has the team survived so few balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was one of just four England opening batsman to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one warm-up match before the first Test, so the fixture in Canberra could have offered valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Ahead

In addition, the development game would have offered practice using the day-night ball, with the team set to face a rare pink-ball Test.

England been defeated in 5 of their 7 prior day-nighters, whereas the hosts have won thirteen from fourteen.

With a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in Perth, the home side boast the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the likely XI in Brisbane, gloveman one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match using a day-night ball, and a third has played only one.

Leadership Position

Questioned after the first Test whether the team would change their plans and send squad members to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

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

Head coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We've just got to work out what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll work it out soon.

McCullum continued that he was "sure" a batsman could play in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking recently, former captain a well-known figure stated it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to play in the capital.

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

He added:

I can't be so old school to propose that by getting match practice they could become slightly improved?

My method would be, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad will travel to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to train before the start of the week. Exists the chance of an additional training session on Sunday.