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The English primary batters chose to skip a day-night practice game in the capital, even after a heavy loss in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England lost within 48 hours in the first Test, creating an extended gap before the upcoming day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the chance for squad members to participate in the development squad two-day day-night match versus a Prime Minister's XI in the capital this weekend.

However, only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batsman a young player – all of whom featured in the first Test – will travel to join the Lions.

Reports indicate that none of the Perth XI asked to play in the capital match.

Former England Player Calls Decision "Unusual"

Upon learning England thought about sending players to the capital for the development squad game, we assumed they would send those in need of match time.

The former England paceman and lead analyst added:

England are responsible for how they prepare and their performances during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding will be with the results.

Lost Chance for Day-Night Practice

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

England have played in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule this time due to a potential tight turnaround to Brisbane if the first match gone all five days.

The flight from Western Australia to the capital requires just under four hours, with a additional two-hour journey between Canberra to Queensland.

However, given the opening match finished so quickly – the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of dispatching some of the batters to the capital seemed to make sense.

Batting Issues in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out twice in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team survived so few deliveries in losing a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener became one of just four English opening batsman to register 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 could have offered valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered practice using the day-night ball, with England due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

England been defeated in 5 of their 7 prior day-nighters, whereas the hosts triumphed in thirteen from fourteen.

With a key bowler, who took a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, the home side boast the best day-night specialist in the world.

Of England's likely line-up in the next Test, gloveman one player and fast bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game with a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Asked following the Perth match if England would alter their plans and send players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

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

Head coach the coach seemed to leave the door open when he stated:

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

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

Criticism from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, former captain a well-known figure said it would be "amateurish" to pass up the chance to participate in Canberra.

What harm is it playing two days of the game using the pink ball under lights?

Vaughan continued:

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

The approach I'd take is, you've got a day-night two-day game, you go and grab it, make the most of it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

England will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. Exists the possibility of an additional training session at the weekend.