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The English primary batters chose to avoid a pink-ball tour match in the capital, despite a comprehensive loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists lost in under 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an 11-day break before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the chance for squad members to participate in the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball match versus a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

However, only fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batsman a young player – none of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go to join the development squad.

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

Ex- English Star Describes Decision "Unusual"

When we heard England were considering sending squad members to Canberra for the development squad match, we assumed it would be those in need of match time.

The former England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator added:

England are responsible for how they prepare and how they perform on the field. It's their job to giving it their best shot to win the series. The real test will be in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

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

England participated in the game in previous Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans on this occasion due to a potential short gap to the next Test had the Perth Test had lasted all five days.

The flight from Perth to the capital requires almost 240 minutes, and a further two-hour flight between the capital and Queensland.

However, given the first Test finished in just two days – the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of sending at least the batters to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• England were bowled out in both innings in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s have England faced such a low number of balls in losing a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper failed to reach double figures in both innings.
• The opener became only the fourth England opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

The side had just a single warm-up match prior to the first Test, so the fixture in Canberra would have provided much-needed time in the middle.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

Furthermore, the development game provided experience with the day-night ball, as England due to play a unusual pink-ball Test.

The tourists been defeated in 5 of their 7 prior day-nighters, while the hosts triumphed in 13 from fourteen.

With a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, Australia have the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

Of England's probable line-up in Brisbane, gloveman one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match with a pink ball, while a third has played only one.

Leadership Position

Questioned following the Perth match if England would change preparations and dispatch squad members to Canberra, the skipper remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that was the method in the past. We prepare incredibly well and train incredibly hard whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Coach the coach appeared to leave the door open when he stated:

We've just got to work out what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to any position 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 Ex-Skipper

Commenting recently, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the chance to play in Canberra.

How could it hurt taking part in two days of cricket with the pink ball under lights?

Vaughan continued:

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

My method would be, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and give yourself the optimal preparation.

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