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England's main batters have opted to avoid a pink-ball tour match in the capital, despite a devastating defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists were beaten in under 48 hours in Perth, leaving an extended gap before the upcoming day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the possibility for players to join the development squad 48-hour day-night fixture against a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, only pace bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go to join the Lions.

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

Former England Player Describes Move "Strange"

Upon learning the team were considering sending squad members to the capital for the development squad game, we assumed they would send those requiring practice.

The former England paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

The team are responsible for their preparation and their performances during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the Ashes. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

This match with the invitational side is a tradition for visiting teams to Australia.

England participated in the fixture in previous series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule this time due to a potential tight turnaround to the next Test if the Perth Test gone the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital requires just under four hours, and a additional 120-minute flight between the capital and Brisbane.

However, considering the opening match finished so quickly – the first 48-hour Test in the series in over a century – the idea of dispatching at least the batsmen to the capital appeared to be logical.

Performance Struggles in First Test

• England were bowled out in both innings in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team survived such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test.
• Both the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth England opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

England played only one practice game prior to the first Test, meaning the fixture in the capital could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Test Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered experience using the day-night ball, with the team due to play a unusual day-night Test.

England been defeated in five of their 7 prior day-nighters, while Australia have won 13 from 14.

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

Among the probable XI in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match using a pink ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Questioned after the first Test if the team would change preparations 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 thoroughly and work intensely every day we get the opportunity.

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

We've just got to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to a fixed plan currently, but we'll work it out soon.

McCullum continued that he was "sure" a batsman would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting recently, former captain a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the chance to play in Canberra.

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

Vaughan added:

It's hard to believe so traditional to suggest that by playing cricket they might get slightly improved?

My method would be, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you go and grab it, go and take it, participate fully and give yourself the optimal preparation.

England are scheduled to fly to Queensland on Wednesday and do not plan to train before the start of the week. There is the possibility of an extra training session at the weekend.