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The English primary batsmen have opted to avoid a day-night tour match in Canberra, despite a devastating defeat in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists suffered defeat in under 48 hours in Perth, leaving an extended gap before the second pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the option for squad members to join the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball fixture versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, only pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batter a young player – none of whom played in the first Test – are set to go to join the Lions.

Reports indicate that not one of the first-Test XI asked to participate in the capital fixture.

Former English Star Describes Move "Unusual"

Upon learning the team were considering dispatching squad members to Canberra for the England Lions game, we assumed it would be players requiring practice.

Ex- England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator added:

England must take charge of their preparation and how they perform on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the series. The real test will be with the results.

Missed Chance for Day-Night Practice

The fixture with the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams down under.

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

Travel from Western Australia to Canberra takes just under 240 minutes, with a additional 120-minute flight from Canberra to Brisbane.

However, considering the first Test finished in just two days – the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of sending at least the batters to the capital seemed to make sense.

Batting Issues in First Test

• England were bowled out twice in the first Test in under 68 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England survived such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley became only the fourth English opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single warm-up match before the Perth match, so the game in the capital could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Coming Up

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

England been defeated in five of their 7 previous day-nighters, while the hosts have won 13 from 14.

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

Of England's likely XI in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match using a pink ball, and a third has played only one.

Leadership Position

Asked after the Perth match if the team would change preparations and dispatch squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes remained firm they would not.

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

Coach the coach appeared to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We've just got to work out what the pros and cons are. We're not married to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll work it out soon.

McCullum continued that he was "sure" a batsman could play in the capital if he wanted to.

Concerns from Former Captain

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

What harm is it taking part in two days of cricket with the pink ball under lights?

He continued:

I can't be so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they could become a little bit better?

The approach I'd take would be, you've got a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, participate fully and give yourself the best chance.

England are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to practice until Monday. Exists the chance of an extra practice at the weekend.