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The English main batters have opted to skip a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, even after a heavy defeat in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

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

This gap presented the possibility for squad members to participate in the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball fixture versus a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just pace bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batsman a young player – none of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel to join the development squad.

It is understood that none of the Perth players requested to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Ex- English Star Calls Decision "Bizarre"

Upon learning the team were considering dispatching players to Canberra for the England Lions game, it was expected they would send players requiring match time.

The former England paceman and lead analyst added:

England must take charge of their preparation and how they perform during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the Ashes. The real test will be with the results.

Lost Chance for Day-Night Practice

The fixture against the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides to Australia.

The tourists have played in the game in past series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion because of a potential tight turnaround to the next Test had the first match gone all five days.

The flight from Western Australia to the capital requires just under four hours, with a further two-hour flight from the capital to Brisbane.

However, given the opening match was completed so quickly – the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the idea of dispatching some of the batters to the capital appeared to make sense.

Batting Issues in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s has the team faced so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth English opening batsman to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one practice game before the first Test, so the game in the capital would have provided much-needed time in the middle.

Rare Pink-Ball Challenge Ahead

Furthermore, the development game provided experience with the pink ball, with the team due to play a unusual pink-ball Test.

England been defeated in five of their 7 prior day-nighters, while the hosts triumphed in thirteen from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who took a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia have the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the probable line-up in Brisbane, gloveman one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match with a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Asked after the Perth match whether England would change their plans and send squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes remained firm they would not.

I've been asked repeatedly, that's how it was done in the past. Our preparations incredibly well and work intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Head coach the coach appeared to leave the door open when he said:

We need to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to any position at the moment, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

McCullum continued that he was "sure" a batsman could play in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "amateurish" to pass up the chance to participate in the capital.

What harm is it playing 48 hours of cricket using the pink ball in evening conditions?

He added:

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

My method would be, there's a pink-ball two-day game, you seize the opportunity, make the most of 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 until Monday. There is the chance of an extra training session on Sunday.