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The English key batsmen have opted to skip a day-night practice game in the capital, despite a comprehensive loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists were beaten in under 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an extended gap ahead of the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up the option for squad members to join the development squad 48-hour pink-ball match versus a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, just fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the first Test – are set to go and link up with the Lions.

Reports indicate that not one of the first-Test players asked to participate in the capital fixture.

Former England Star Calls Move "Bizarre"

Upon learning England were considering sending players to Canberra for the England Lions game, we assumed they would send those in need of practice.

Ex- English paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

The team are responsible for how they prepare and how they perform during matches. It's their job to giving it their best shot to win the series. The proof of the pudding comes in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

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

The tourists participated in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule on this occasion because of a possible short gap to Brisbane if the first match gone the full duration.

The flight from Perth to Canberra requires almost four hours, and a further two-hour flight from Canberra and Queensland.

Yet, given the first Test was completed so quickly – marking the first two-day Test in the series in over a century – the idea of sending some of the batters to Canberra appeared to make sense.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• The tourists dismissed twice in Perth inside 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 has the team faced so few deliveries in losing a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper failed to reach 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was one of just four English opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one warm-up match prior to the Perth match, so the game in the capital could have offered much-needed time in the middle.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Coming Up

In addition, the development game provided experience with the day-night ball, as the team set to face a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their seven prior day-nighters, while Australia triumphed in 13 from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in Perth, the home side have the top day-night specialist in the world.

Of England's likely XI in Brisbane, gloveman one player and pace bowler another have never played a red-ball game using a day-night ball, and a third has played only one.

Leadership Position

Questioned following the Perth match if the team would change preparations and send squad members to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that was the method a long time ago. We prepare incredibly well and work incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

Head coach Brendon McCullum appeared to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We've just got to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

McCullum continued that he was "confident" a batter could play in the capital should they wish.

Concerns from Former Captain

Commenting recently, ex-skipper a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to participate in the capital.

How could it hurt playing two days of the game with the day-night ball in evening conditions?

He added:

I can't be so old school to suggest that by getting match practice they could become slightly improved?

The approach I'd take is, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, participate fully and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane midweek and do not plan to train until Monday. There is the chance of an extra training session at the weekend.