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England's primary batsmen chose to miss a day-night tour match in Canberra, even after a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England lost within two days in Perth, creating an 11-day break ahead of the second pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the chance for players to participate in the development squad two-day pink-ball fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, just fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batsman Jacob Bethell – all of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go to join the development squad.

Sources suggest that none of the Perth players requested to play in the capital fixture.

Ex- English Star Calls Decision "Unusual"

When we heard the team thought about sending squad members to Canberra for the development squad game, it was expected they would send players in need of practice.

Ex- England fast bowler and lead analyst added:

England are responsible for their preparation and their performances during matches. It's their job to giving it their best shot of winning the series. The real test comes with the results.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

The fixture with the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for touring sides to Australia.

England have played in the game in past Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule this time because of a potential tight turnaround to the next Test had the first match had lasted all five days.

Travel from Perth to Canberra takes just under four hours, with a additional two-hour journey between Canberra and Queensland.

However, considering the opening match was completed in just two days – the first two-day Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of sending at least the batsmen to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• The tourists dismissed twice in the first Test in under 68 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s has the team faced so few balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Both the skipper and ex-skipper failed to reach 10 runs in both innings.
• The opener became one of just four English opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one practice game prior to the Perth match, so the fixture in Canberra could have offered valuable batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Ahead

In addition, the development game provided experience using the pink ball, as the team set to face a rare pink-ball Test.

The tourists been defeated in 5 of their 7 prior day-nighters, while the hosts triumphed in thirteen from 14.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, Australia have the top pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the likely XI in Brisbane, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game with a pink ball, while a third has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Asked following the Perth match if England would change their plans and dispatch players to the capital, the skipper remained firm they would not.

I've been asked repeatedly, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare incredibly well and train incredibly hard whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Head coach Brendon McCullum seemed to leave the door open when he said:

We need to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide soon.

The coach added that he was "sure" a batter could play in Canberra if he wanted to.

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan stated it would be "amateurish" to decline the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

What harm is it playing 48 hours of cricket with the day-night ball under lights?

He added:

It's hard to believe so traditional to suggest that by getting match practice they might get a little bit better?

My method is, you've got a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland on Wednesday and do not plan to train until Monday. There is the chance of an extra training session on Sunday.