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England's primary batsmen decided to miss a pink-ball tour match in Canberra, despite a comprehensive loss in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists suffered defeat within 48 hours in the first Test, creating an extended break before the upcoming day-night Test in Queensland.

This gap presented the possibility for squad members to participate in the development squad two-day pink-ball fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel to join the development squad.

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

Former English Star Describes Decision "Bizarre"

Upon learning the team thought about sending squad members to Canberra for the England Lions match, it was expected they would send players in need of match time.

Ex- England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator added:

The team are responsible for how they prepare and their performances on the field. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the series. The real test will be in the eating.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

This match with the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for visiting teams down under.

England participated in the fixture in previous series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule this time due to a possible short gap to Brisbane if the Perth Test gone all five days.

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

Yet, considering the first Test finished so quickly – the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of dispatching some of the batters to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Performance Issues in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out twice in the first Test in under 68 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 ex-skipper failed to reach 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener was only the fourth England opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

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

Uncommon Pink-Ball Test Ahead

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered experience using the day-night ball, with the team set to face a rare day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia have won 13 from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, Australia have the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's probable line-up in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game using a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Questioned following the Perth match if England would alter preparations and dispatch squad members to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes was adamant they would not.

This question has come up a lot, that was the method in the past. Our preparations incredibly well and work incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

Coach Brendon McCullum appeared to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We need to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

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

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking on Saturday, former captain a well-known figure stated it would be "amateurish" to pass up the chance to participate in the capital.

What harm is it taking part in two days of cricket using the day-night ball under lights?

Vaughan continued:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by getting match practice they could become a little bit better?

My method is, you've got a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and give yourself the best chance.

The squad will travel to Brisbane midweek and are not scheduled to train until Monday. There is the chance of an additional practice at the weekend.