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England's primary batters decided to avoid a pink-ball tour match in the capital, even after a comprehensive defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists lost in under two days in the first Test, leaving an extended gap ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the option for players to join the England Lions two-day day-night match versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, just pace bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batsman a young player – none of whom played in the first Test – will travel to join the development squad.

Sources suggest that not one of the Perth XI asked to play in the Canberra fixture.

Ex- English Star Calls Move "Unusual"

Upon learning the team were considering sending players to Canberra for the development squad match, we assumed they would send players requiring practice.

The former English fast bowler and chief cricket commentator continued:

England are responsible for how they prepare and how they perform on the field. It's their job to giving it their best shot to win the Ashes. The real test will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

The fixture with the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides down under.

England participated in the game in previous Ashes tours, but it was not from their plans on this occasion due to a potential short gap to the next Test if the first match had lasted all five days.

The flight from Perth to Canberra takes almost 240 minutes, and a additional two-hour journey from Canberra to Queensland.

Yet, given the opening match was completed so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Ashes Test since 1921 – the idea of sending at least the batters to Canberra appeared to make sense.

Performance Struggles in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out twice in the first Test inside 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England survived such a low number of balls in losing a Test.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper failed to reach 10 runs in both innings.
• The opener was one of just four English opener to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one practice game before the first Test, meaning the game in Canberra could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Rare Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

Furthermore, the development game would have offered experience using the day-night ball, as England due to play a unusual pink-ball Test.

England been defeated in 5 of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia have won 13 from 14.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, Australia have the top day-night specialist in the game.

Among the probable XI in Brisbane, gloveman one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match with a pink ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Questioned after the first Test whether England would alter their plans and send squad members to the capital, the skipper remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and work incredibly hard every day we get the opportunity.

Head coach Brendon McCullum seemed 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 in a couple of days.

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

Criticism from Former Captain

Commenting recently, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to play in the capital.

How could it hurt playing 48 hours of the game using the pink ball under lights?

He added:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they could become a little bit better?

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

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