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England's main batters chose to skip a day-night tour match in the capital, despite a devastating loss in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England were beaten in under two days in Perth, leaving an extended break before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the chance for players to join the development squad 48-hour pink-ball match versus a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom featured in the first Test – are set to go and link up with the Lions.

Reports indicate that not one of the Perth XI asked to play in the capital fixture.

Former English Player Calls Decision "Strange"

When we heard England thought about dispatching players to the capital for the England Lions match, we assumed they would send those requiring practice.

Ex- English fast bowler and lead analyst added:

England must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform on the field. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the series. The real test comes with the results.

Lost Chance for Day-Night Experience

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

The tourists have played in the game in past series in Australia, but was left out in their schedule this time due to a possible short gap to Brisbane had the first match had lasted all five days.

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

However, given the first Test finished in just two days – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the idea of dispatching some of the batsmen to Canberra seemed to make sense.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• The tourists dismissed in both innings in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s has the team survived so few balls in losing a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• The opener was one of just four English opening batsman to record a pair in an Ashes match.

England played only one practice game before the Perth match, meaning the fixture in Canberra would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Ahead

In addition, the Lions match provided experience with the pink ball, as England due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

The tourists have lost 5 of their 7 previous day-nighters, whereas Australia have won 13 from fourteen.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, Australia have the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's likely line-up in Brisbane, gloveman one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a red-ball game with a pink ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Position

Questioned following the first Test whether the team would change their plans and send players to Canberra, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations incredibly well and work intensely every day we get the opportunity.

Coach Brendon McCullum seemed to leave the door open when he stated:

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

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

Criticism from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to play in Canberra.

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

He continued:

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

The approach I'd take is, you've got a day-night two-day game, you go and grab it, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad will travel to Queensland midweek and do not plan to train before the start of the week. Exists the chance of an extra training session at the weekend.