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The English key batters chose to miss a pink-ball practice game in the capital, even after a comprehensive defeat in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England were beaten in under 48 hours in the first Test, creating an extended gap before the second day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the possibility for players to participate in the development squad two-day day-night match against a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

However, just fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the Lions.

Sources suggest that not one of the Perth players requested to participate in the capital match.

Former England Player Calls Move "Unusual"

When we heard the team were considering dispatching squad members to Canberra for the England Lions game, we assumed they would send players requiring match time.

Ex- England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator continued:

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

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

This match with the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides to Australia.

The tourists participated in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule on this occasion because of a possible tight turnaround to the next Test had the first match had lasted all five days.

Travel from Perth to Canberra requires just under 240 minutes, and a additional two-hour flight from Canberra to Brisbane.

Yet, given the first Test finished in just two days – the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of sending some of the batters to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team faced such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth English opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single practice game prior to the Perth match, meaning the fixture in the capital would have provided valuable batting practice.

Rare Day-Night Test Ahead

In addition, the development game would have offered experience using the day-night ball, as England due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

The tourists been defeated in 5 of their seven previous pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts have won thirteen from 14.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, Australia have the best day-night specialist 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 using a pink ball, and a third has played only one.

Leadership Position

Questioned after the first Test whether the team would alter their plans and dispatch players to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare incredibly well and train intensely every day to improve our game.

Coach Brendon McCullum seemed to suggest flexibility when he said:

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

McCullum continued that he was "confident" a batsman would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the opportunity to play in the capital.

How could it hurt playing 48 hours of cricket using the pink ball in evening conditions?

He added:

I can't be so old school to suggest that by playing cricket they might get slightly improved?

My method is, there's a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

England are scheduled to fly to Brisbane midweek and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. There is the possibility of an extra training session on Sunday.