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The English key batsmen chose to skip a day-night practice game in Canberra, despite a devastating defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

England were beaten in under two days in the first Test, leaving an 11-day break ahead of the second day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the possibility for squad members to join the England Lions two-day pink-ball fixture versus a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batter Jacob Bethell – all 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 requested to play in the Canberra match.

Former England Player Describes Move "Strange"

Upon learning the team were considering dispatching players to the capital for the England Lions match, we assumed they would send players requiring match time.

Ex- England paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

The team are responsible for their preparation and their performances during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The real test comes with the results.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

This match against the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for visiting teams down under.

The tourists participated in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but it was not from their plans on this occasion because of a potential short gap to Brisbane had the first match gone all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital requires almost four hours, with a additional two-hour journey between the capital and Brisbane.

However, given the opening match was completed in just two days – the first 48-hour Test in the series in over a century – the idea of sending some of the batters to the capital seemed to make sense.

Batting Issues in First Test

• England dismissed twice in Perth inside 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team survived such a low number of balls in losing a Test.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four England opener to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side had just a single warm-up match before the Perth match, meaning the game in the capital could have offered much-needed time in the middle.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Ahead

In addition, the development game provided experience with the pink ball, as England set to face a rare pink-ball Test.

The tourists been defeated in 5 of their 7 prior day-nighters, whereas the hosts triumphed in 13 from 14.

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

Of England's probable XI in the next Test, gloveman one player and pace bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match with a pink ball, while a third has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Asked after the first Test whether England would change preparations and send players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant they would not.

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

Coach Brendon McCullum appeared to leave the door open when he stated:

We need to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married to a fixed plan currently, but we'll work it out soon.

The coach added that he was "sure" a batsman could play in the capital if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "amateurish" to pass up the chance to participate in Canberra.

How could it hurt playing two days of cricket with the pink ball under lights?

He added:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by playing cricket they might get a little bit better?

My method is, you've got a pink-ball two-day game, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, play those two days and give yourself the optimal preparation.

England will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to train before the start of the week. There is the chance of an additional training session at the weekend.