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The English key batsmen chose to avoid a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, even after a heavy defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England were beaten within two days in the first Test, creating an extended gap ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the possibility for players to join the development squad 48-hour day-night fixture versus a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, plus batter a young player – none of whom featured in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

It is understood that none of the first-Test XI requested to play in the Canberra match.

Former English Player Calls Move "Unusual"

Upon learning the team were considering sending squad members to Canberra for the England Lions match, it was expected they would send those requiring match time.

The former English fast bowler and chief cricket commentator continued:

England must take charge of how they prepare and their performances during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The real test comes with the results.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Experience

The fixture against the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides down under.

The tourists participated in the game in previous series in Australia, but it was not from their plans this time due to a potential tight turnaround to the next Test had the Perth Test gone all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital requires almost four hours, with a further 120-minute journey between Canberra to Queensland.

Yet, given the first Test finished so quickly – the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of sending at least the batsmen to the capital seemed to be logical.

Batting Issues in First Test

• England dismissed in both innings in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England survived so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test match.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in both innings.
• The opener was only the fourth England opener to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single practice game prior to the first Test, meaning the fixture in Canberra could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Challenge Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered practice with the day-night ball, with England set to face a rare day-night Test.

England have lost 5 of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, while the hosts triumphed in thirteen from 14.

With a key bowler, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, Australia have the best day-night specialist in the game.

Of England's likely line-up in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and fast bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game with a day-night ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Asked after the first Test whether the team would alter their plans and send players to Canberra, the skipper remained firm they would not.

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

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

We need to determine 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 added that he was "sure" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting recently, former captain Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to participate in Canberra.

How could it hurt playing 48 hours of the game with the day-night ball in evening conditions?

He continued:

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

The approach I'd take would be, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, play those two days and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to train before the start of the week. There is the chance of an extra practice at the weekend.