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England's main batters have opted to avoid a day-night practice game in Canberra, even after a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists lost in under 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an extended break before the second day-night Test in Queensland.

The break opened up the option for players to join the development squad 48-hour pink-ball match versus a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, just fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go to join the Lions.

It is understood that none of the Perth players asked to participate in the Canberra match.

Ex- England Star Describes Move "Unusual"

When we heard England thought about sending players to Canberra for the England Lions match, it was expected they would send players requiring match time.

Ex- England paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

England are responsible for their preparation and how they perform on the field. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the Ashes. The real test will be with the results.

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

The fixture against the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams to Australia.

The tourists have played in the game in past Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule this time because of a possible short gap to the next Test if the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital requires almost 240 minutes, with a additional two-hour flight from Canberra to Queensland.

Yet, considering the opening match was completed so quickly – the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of sending at least the batters to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Performance Issues in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out twice in Perth inside 68 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team survived so few balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth England opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single practice game prior to the Perth match, so the game in Canberra would have provided much-needed time in the middle.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Coming Up

In addition, the Lions match provided practice with the pink ball, with the team set to face a unusual pink-ball Test.

England have lost five of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts triumphed in thirteen from fourteen.

With a key bowler, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side boast the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's probable line-up in the next Test, gloveman one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a red-ball game with a day-night ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Questioned following the Perth match if England would alter their plans and send players to Canberra, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

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

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

We need to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll decide soon.

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

Concerns from Former Captain

Speaking on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to participate in the capital.

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

He continued:

I can't be so old school to propose that by getting match practice they could become slightly improved?

The approach I'd take would be, there's a pink-ball two-day game, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane midweek and do not plan to train before the start of the week. There is the possibility of an extra practice at the weekend.