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The English primary batsmen decided to miss a day-night practice game in Canberra, despite a comprehensive loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England were beaten in under 48 hours in the first Test, creating an 11-day gap before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up 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.

However, just pace bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batsman a young player – all 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 asked to participate in the capital match.

Ex- England Star Calls Move "Bizarre"

Upon learning the team thought about sending squad members to the capital for the England Lions match, it was expected it would be those in need of practice.

The former England paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

England are responsible for their preparation and how they perform on the field. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the series. The real test comes with the results.

Lost Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

This match with the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for visiting teams to Australia.

England have played in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule on this occasion because of a potential short gap to Brisbane had the first match gone all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to Canberra requires just under four hours, with a additional 120-minute journey between the capital to Brisbane.

However, considering the opening match was completed in just two days – 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.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• The tourists dismissed twice in the first Test inside 68 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s have England survived so few deliveries in losing a Test match.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root failed to reach 10 runs in either innings.
• Zak Crawley became only the fourth English opener to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side had just a single practice game prior to the first Test, so the fixture in Canberra could have offered much-needed time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Challenge Ahead

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

England have lost 5 of their seven prior day-nighters, while Australia triumphed in 13 from 14.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side boast the top day-night specialist in the world.

Of England's probable XI in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler another have never played a first-class match with a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Position

Asked following the first Test if the team would change preparations and dispatch squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method a long time ago. We prepare thoroughly and train incredibly hard whenever possible to improve our game.

Coach Brendon McCullum seemed to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We need to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

McCullum continued that he was "confident" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

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

He added:

I can't be so traditional to propose that by getting match practice they might get slightly improved?

The approach I'd take is, you've got a pink-ball two-day game, you go and grab it, go and take it, participate fully and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to train before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an extra practice on Sunday.