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The English primary batsmen have opted to skip a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, despite a heavy loss in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England suffered defeat in under two days in the first Test, leaving an extended break before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the possibility for players to participate in the development squad 48-hour day-night match against a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, just pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batsman a young player – none of whom played in the first Test – will travel and link up with the development squad.

It is understood that not one of the Perth XI asked to participate in the capital fixture.

Former English Player Describes Move "Strange"

Upon learning the team thought about dispatching squad members to Canberra for the development squad game, we assumed it would be those requiring practice.

The former England paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

England must take charge of how they prepare and their performances on the field. They are responsible for doing everything possible of winning the Ashes. The real test will be in the eating.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Experience

The fixture with the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides to Australia.

England participated in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule this time because of a potential short gap to Brisbane if the Perth Test gone all five days.

The flight from Perth to Canberra takes just under 240 minutes, and a further two-hour journey between Canberra and Queensland.

Yet, considering the opening match finished so quickly – the first two-day Test in the series since 1921 – the idea of dispatching some of the batsmen to Canberra seemed to make sense.

Batting Issues in First Test

• England dismissed twice in the first Test inside 68 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s have England survived such a low number of deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• The opener was one of just four English opening batsman to record a pair in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single warm-up match prior to the Perth match, so the game in Canberra could have offered much-needed time in the middle.

Rare Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

Furthermore, the development game would have offered practice using the day-night ball, as England set to face a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia triumphed in 13 from 14.

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

Among the probable line-up in Brisbane, gloveman one player and fast bowler another have never played a red-ball game with a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Questioned following the Perth match if the team would change their plans and send squad members to the capital, the skipper was adamant they would not.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations incredibly well and work intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

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

We've just got to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll work it out soon.

McCullum continued that he was "confident" a batsman could play in the capital should they wish.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to play in Canberra.

How could it hurt taking part in 48 hours of the game with the pink ball under lights?

Vaughan continued:

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

My method is, you've got 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 will travel to Brisbane midweek and do not plan to practice before the start of the week. There is the chance of an extra practice on Sunday.