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England's primary batsmen have opted to miss a day-night tour match in Canberra, even after a heavy defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England were beaten within two days in the first Test, creating an 11-day break before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the chance for players to join the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batter a young player – none of whom played in the first Test – will travel and link up with the Lions.

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

Ex- English Player Describes Move "Strange"

Upon learning England were considering dispatching squad members to Canberra for the development squad game, it was expected it would be those in need of match time.

Ex- English paceman and lead analyst continued:

England must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform on the field. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the Ashes. The proof of the pudding comes in the eating.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Experience

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

England have played in the game in previous Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion due to a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane if the first match gone all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital requires just under 240 minutes, and a further 120-minute flight between the capital and Brisbane.

However, considering the opening match finished so quickly – marking the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of dispatching some of the batters to the capital appeared to be logical.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• England were bowled out twice in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England survived so few deliveries in losing a Test.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener was one of just four English opener to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one warm-up match prior to the Perth match, meaning the fixture in the capital would have provided valuable batting practice.

Rare Day-Night Challenge Coming Up

Furthermore, the development game provided practice with the day-night ball, as the team due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

England have lost five of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts have won thirteen from fourteen.

With a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side boast the top day-night specialist in the game.

Of England's probable line-up in the next Test, gloveman one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match with a day-night ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Team Management Position

Questioned following the first Test if the team would alter their plans and dispatch players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations incredibly well and train incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

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

We've just got to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

McCullum added that he was "confident" a batsman could play in Canberra if he wanted to.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Speaking recently, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to play in Canberra.

How could it hurt taking part in 48 hours of cricket using the day-night ball in evening conditions?

He added:

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

The approach I'd take would be, there's a day-night 48-hour match, you go and grab it, go and take it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

The squad will travel to Queensland on Wednesday and are not scheduled to train until Monday. Exists the possibility of an extra training session at the weekend.