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England's key batsmen decided to avoid a day-night tour match in the capital, even after a devastating defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England suffered defeat within two days in the first Test, creating an 11-day gap before the second pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break opened up the possibility for squad members to participate in the England Lions two-day day-night fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital this weekend.

However, just fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the first Test – are set to go to join the development squad.

Reports indicate that none of the Perth players requested to play in the Canberra fixture.

Former England Star Describes Move "Bizarre"

When we heard England were considering dispatching squad members to the capital for the England Lions game, it was expected they would send those requiring practice.

The former English paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

The team are responsible for their preparation and how they perform on the field. 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 Experience

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

England have played in the fixture in previous series in Australia, but was left out from their plans this time due to a possible short gap to the next Test if the first match gone all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to Canberra requires almost 240 minutes, with a additional two-hour journey from Canberra and Brisbane.

However, considering the first Test was completed so quickly – the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of dispatching some of the batters to Canberra seemed to make sense.

Batting Issues in Perth

• England dismissed in both innings in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• Not since 1904 has the team survived so few balls in losing a Test.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• The opener became only the fourth English opener to record a pair in an Ashes match.

England played only one practice game before the Perth match, meaning the game in Canberra could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Ahead

Furthermore, the development game provided practice using the pink ball, with the team due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

England been defeated in 5 of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, while the hosts have won thirteen from fourteen.

With a key bowler, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, Australia boast the best day-night specialist in the world.

Among the probable XI in the next Test, gloveman one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match using a day-night ball, and a third has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Asked after the first Test if the team would change their plans and send players to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare thoroughly and train intensely every day to improve our game.

Head coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We need to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to any position at the moment, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

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

Concerns from Former Captain

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

How could it hurt taking part in two days of cricket using the pink ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan continued:

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

The approach I'd take is, there's a day-night two-day game, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

England are scheduled to fly to Queensland on Wednesday and do not plan to practice until Monday. There is the possibility of an extra training session on Sunday.