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England's key batters decided to avoid a day-night tour match in the capital, even after a heavy loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

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

The break opened up the chance for players to participate in the development squad two-day pink-ball fixture versus a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just fast bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, along with batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the first Test – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

Sources suggest that none of the first-Test players asked to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Ex- English Star Describes Decision "Unusual"

When we heard England thought about sending squad members to Canberra for the England Lions game, we assumed they would send those requiring match time.

The former England paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

The team must take charge of their preparation and their performances during matches. It's their job to doing everything possible of winning the Ashes. The proof of the pudding comes with the results.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

The fixture with the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for touring sides to Australia.

England have played in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule this time due to a potential short gap to the next Test if the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Perth to Canberra requires just under 240 minutes, with a further 120-minute journey between the capital to Brisbane.

Yet, given the opening match finished in just two days – the first 48-hour Test in the series in over a century – the thought of sending at least the batters to the capital appeared to be logical.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• England dismissed in both innings in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England faced so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach 10 runs in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth England opener to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

The side had just a single practice game before the first Test, so the fixture in Canberra could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Rare Pink-Ball Challenge Ahead

In addition, the development game provided experience with the day-night ball, with the team due to play a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in 5 of their seven previous day-nighters, while Australia have won thirteen from fourteen.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, Australia boast the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the likely XI in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match with a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Questioned after the Perth match if the team would change preparations and send players to the capital, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method a long time ago. We prepare thoroughly and work incredibly hard whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Head coach the coach seemed to leave the door open when he stated:

We've just got to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

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

Criticism from Former Captain

Commenting recently, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "amateurish" to pass up the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

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

Vaughan added:

It's hard to believe so old school to propose that by playing cricket they could become slightly improved?

My method would be, you've got a pink-ball two-day game, 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 until Monday. Exists the chance of an extra practice at the weekend.