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The English primary batsmen decided to miss a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, even after a comprehensive loss in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists suffered defeat in under two days in Perth, leaving an 11-day gap ahead of the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the possibility for squad members to participate in the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital this weekend.

However, only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, along with batsman a young player – none of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel to join the development squad.

It is understood that not one of the first-Test players asked to play in the Canberra match.

Ex- England Star Describes Move "Bizarre"

When we heard England were considering dispatching players to Canberra for the development squad match, it was expected they would send those requiring practice.

Ex- England fast bowler and lead analyst continued:

The team are responsible for how they prepare and their performances during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Lost Chance for Day-Night Practice

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

England participated in the fixture in previous series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule this time because of a potential tight turnaround to the next Test had the first match gone all five days.

The flight from Western Australia to Canberra requires just under four hours, and a additional two-hour flight between the capital and Queensland.

However, given the opening match was completed so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of sending some of the batters to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Performance Struggles in First Test

• England were bowled out twice in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England survived so few balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• The opener was one of just four England opener to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one warm-up match prior to the Perth match, so the game in the capital could have offered valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Coming Up

Furthermore, the development game would have offered practice using the pink ball, as the team due to play a unusual pink-ball Test.

The tourists have lost 5 of their 7 prior pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia have won thirteen from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side boast the best day-night specialist in the world.

Among the likely line-up in Brisbane, gloveman one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a red-ball game with a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Team Management Position

Asked following the Perth match whether England would alter their plans and dispatch players to the capital, the skipper was adamant they would not.

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

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

We've just got to determine what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to a fixed plan currently, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

McCullum added that he was "sure" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking recently, former captain a well-known figure stated it would be "amateurish" to decline the opportunity to play in the capital.

What harm is it playing 48 hours of the game with the pink ball in evening conditions?

He continued:

It's hard to believe so traditional to suggest that by getting match practice they could become slightly improved?

The approach I'd take would be, you've got a pink-ball two-day game, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane midweek and do not plan to train before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an extra training session at the weekend.