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England's primary batsmen have opted to miss a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, even after a devastating defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England suffered defeat within 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an 11-day break before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

The break presented the option for squad members to join the England Lions two-day pink-ball match against a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just pace bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, along with batter a young player – all of whom played in the first Test – will travel to join the Lions.

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

Ex- England Player Describes Move "Strange"

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

Ex- English paceman and lead analyst added:

The team are responsible for how they prepare and their performances on the field. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

The fixture against the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams to Australia.

The tourists participated in the game in previous Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion because of a possible short gap to the next Test had the first match gone the full duration.

The flight from Perth to Canberra requires just under 240 minutes, with a additional 120-minute flight from the capital to Queensland.

Yet, given the first Test was completed so quickly – the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the idea of sending at least the batsmen to Canberra appeared to make sense.

Batting Struggles in First Test

• England were bowled out in both innings in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since 1904 has the team survived such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• The opener became one of just four England opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

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

Uncommon Day-Night Test Ahead

Furthermore, the Lions match provided practice with the pink ball, as England due to play a unusual pink-ball Test.

England been defeated in 5 of their seven previous pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts triumphed in thirteen from fourteen.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in Perth, Australia boast the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the probable XI in Brisbane, gloveman one player and pace bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game with a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Leadership Position

Asked after the first Test whether England would change their plans and dispatch players to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

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

Head coach Brendon McCullum seemed to leave the door open when he said:

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

The coach added that he was "sure" a batsman would be allowed to participate in the capital if he wanted to.

Concerns from Former Captain

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

How could it hurt taking part in 48 hours of cricket using the day-night ball in evening conditions?

He continued:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by playing cricket they could become slightly improved?

My method is, you've got a pink-ball 48-hour match, you go and grab it, make the most of it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

England will travel to Brisbane midweek and are not scheduled to practice before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an additional practice at the weekend.