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The English main batters chose to miss a day-night tour match in the capital, even after a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists suffered defeat within 48 hours in Perth, creating an extended break before the second day-night Test in Queensland.

This gap presented the option for players to join the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball fixture against a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, only fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batsman a young player – none of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the development squad.

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

Former English Star Calls Decision "Bizarre"

When we heard the team thought about sending players to the capital for the development squad match, we assumed it would be those requiring match time.

Ex- English paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

England are responsible for how they prepare and their performances during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the series. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

This match with the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for touring sides down under.

The tourists participated in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans this time because of a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane had the first match gone the full duration.

Travel from Perth to the capital takes just under 240 minutes, and a further two-hour flight between Canberra and Queensland.

Yet, considering the opening match was completed so quickly – the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of dispatching at least the batsmen to the capital appeared to make sense.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• England were bowled out twice in Perth in under 68 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England survived so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test match.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener was only the fourth English opening batsman to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single practice game prior to the Perth match, so the game in Canberra would have provided valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Ahead

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

England have lost 5 of their seven previous pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts have won thirteen from fourteen.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side boast the top day-night specialist in the world.

Of England's probable line-up in Brisbane, gloveman one player and pace bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game with a day-night ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Questioned after the first Test if England would alter preparations and send players to Canberra, the skipper remained firm they would not.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method in the past. Our preparations incredibly well and train incredibly hard whenever possible to improve our game.

Coach Brendon McCullum appeared to suggest flexibility when he said:

We've just got to work out what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll work it out soon.

The coach added that he was "confident" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Former Captain

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

What harm is it playing two days of the game with the day-night ball under lights?

Vaughan added:

It's hard to believe so old school to propose that by getting match practice they might get slightly improved?

The approach I'd take would be, there's a day-night 48-hour match, you go and grab it, make the most of it, participate fully and give yourself the optimal preparation.

England will travel to Brisbane midweek and do not plan to practice until Monday. There is the chance of an additional training session on Sunday.