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The English main batsmen have opted to skip a pink-ball practice game in the capital, even after a devastating defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England suffered defeat in under two days in Perth, creating an extended gap ahead of the upcoming day-night Test in Queensland.

The break presented the option for players to participate in the England Lions 48-hour day-night fixture against a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, just fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

It is understood that not one of the Perth players asked to play in the Canberra fixture.

Former English Player Calls Decision "Unusual"

Upon learning the team were considering dispatching squad members to Canberra for the England Lions game, we assumed they would send players in need of practice.

The former England paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

England are responsible for their preparation and their performances on the field. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the series. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Missed Chance for Day-Night Experience

The fixture with the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for visiting teams down under.

The tourists participated in the fixture in past series in Australia, but was left out from their plans on this occasion due to a possible short gap to the next Test had the Perth Test had lasted all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to Canberra requires just under 240 minutes, with a additional two-hour journey between Canberra to Queensland.

Yet, considering the opening match was completed in just two days – marking the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of dispatching some of the batsmen to the capital seemed to make sense.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• England were bowled out twice in Perth in under 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team survived such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener was one of just four England opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

England had just a single warm-up match prior to the first Test, so the game in the capital would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Ahead

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

England have lost five of their seven previous day-nighters, whereas the hosts have won 13 from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who took a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia have the best day-night specialist in the world.

Among the likely XI in Brisbane, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match with a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Asked following the first Test if the team would alter their plans and dispatch squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations incredibly well and train incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

Head coach Brendon McCullum 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 a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll decide soon.

The coach continued that he was "sure" a batter could play in Canberra should they wish.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting recently, ex-skipper a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

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

He continued:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they might get a little bit better?

The approach I'd take would be, you've got a pink-ball two-day game, you go and grab it, go and take it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane midweek and do not plan to train until Monday. Exists the possibility of an extra training session on Sunday.