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The English primary batsmen decided to avoid a day-night tour match in Canberra, even after a devastating loss in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England were beaten in under two days in the first Test, creating an 11-day gap ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the option for players to participate in the development squad two-day pink-ball match versus a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, just pace bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – all of whom played in the Perth match – will travel to join the development squad.

It is understood that not one of the first-Test players requested to play in the capital fixture.

Former English Player Calls Move "Strange"

Upon learning England thought about dispatching players to Canberra for the England Lions game, it was expected they would send those requiring practice.

The former England fast bowler and lead analyst continued:

England are responsible for how they prepare and how they perform on the field. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The real test comes with the results.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

The fixture against the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for touring sides down under.

The tourists participated in the game in past series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule this time due to a potential tight turnaround to Brisbane if the first match had lasted all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to Canberra takes almost 240 minutes, with a additional 120-minute journey between the capital to Queensland.

However, considering the first Test was completed so quickly – marking the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of sending some of the batsmen to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Performance Issues in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in Perth inside 68 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s have England faced such a low number of deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth England opener to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side had just a single practice game prior to the Perth match, so the game in Canberra would have provided valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

In addition, the Lions match would have offered practice with the day-night ball, with England set to face a rare day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their seven previous pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia have won thirteen from 14.

With Mitchell Starc, who took a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, Australia have the top pink-ball bowler in the game.

Of England's probable line-up in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler another have never played a red-ball game using a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Asked following the first Test if England would change preparations and send squad members to Canberra, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done a long time ago. Our preparations incredibly well and train intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Head coach Brendon McCullum appeared to leave the door open when he said:

We've just got to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide soon.

The coach continued that he was "confident" a batter could play in Canberra should they wish.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking recently, ex-skipper a well-known figure stated it would be "amateurish" to pass up the chance to play in Canberra.

What harm is it playing 48 hours of cricket using the day-night ball under lights?

He continued:

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

The approach I'd take is, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

England will travel to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. Exists the chance of an extra practice at the weekend.