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England's main batsmen chose to avoid a pink-ball practice game in the capital, despite a comprehensive defeat in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England suffered defeat within two days in Perth, leaving an 11-day gap before the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up the possibility for squad members to join the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra this weekend.

However, just pace bowlers one bowler and another bowler, plus batter a young player – all of whom featured in the first Test – will travel and link up with the Lions.

It is understood that not one of the first-Test XI requested to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Former English Player Describes Move "Unusual"

When we heard the team were considering sending squad members to the capital for the England Lions game, it was expected they would send players requiring practice.

The former England paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform during matches. It's their job to giving it their best shot to win the series. The proof of the pudding comes with the results.

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

This match with the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides down under.

The tourists participated in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule this time due to a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane if the first match gone all five days.

The flight from Perth to the capital requires just under 240 minutes, with a further two-hour journey between Canberra and Queensland.

However, given the first Test was completed so quickly – marking the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of dispatching some of the batsmen to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Batting Issues in First Test

• England were bowled out twice in the first Test inside 68 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England survived such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test.
• Both the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four English opening batsman to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one practice game prior to the first Test, meaning the game in the capital could have offered much-needed time in the middle.

Rare Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

In addition, the development game provided experience with the day-night ball, as England set to face a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in 5 of their 7 previous day-nighters, whereas Australia triumphed in 13 from 14.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, the home side boast the best day-night specialist in the game.

Among the likely XI in Brisbane, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game with a pink ball, while a third has played only one.

Team Management Position

Asked following the first Test whether the team would alter preparations and send players to Canberra, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

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

Head coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he said:

We've just got to determine 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 added that he was "confident" a batter would be allowed to participate in the capital should they wish.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Speaking on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan stated it would be "amateurish" to pass up the opportunity to play in Canberra.

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

He added:

I can't be so old school to suggest that by getting match practice they could become a little bit better?

My method would be, you've got a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, play those two days and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice before the start of the week. There is the possibility of an extra training session at the weekend.