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The English key batters have opted to skip a pink-ball tour match in Canberra, even after a devastating defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

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

The break opened up the option for squad members to join the development squad two-day day-night fixture versus a Prime Minister's XI in the capital this weekend.

However, just pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom featured in the first Test – will travel and link up with the development squad.

Sources suggest that not one of the Perth players requested to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Former English Player Calls Decision "Strange"

When we heard England were considering sending players to Canberra for the development squad game, it was expected it would be players requiring match time.

Ex- English paceman and lead analyst added:

England are responsible for how they prepare and their performances on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the series. The real test comes in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

This match against the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for visiting teams down under.

England have played in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion because of a possible short gap to Brisbane had the first match gone the full duration.

The flight from Perth to the capital takes just under four hours, with a additional two-hour flight from Canberra to Queensland.

However, given the opening match was completed in just two days – marking the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of sending some of the batters to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Batting Issues in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s has the team faced such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener was only the fourth English opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single practice game before the first Test, so the fixture in the capital would have provided valuable batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

Furthermore, the development game provided experience using the pink ball, with England set to face a unusual pink-ball Test.

The tourists been defeated in 5 of their 7 prior pink-ball Tests, while Australia triumphed in 13 from 14.

With a key bowler, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia boast the top pink-ball bowler in the game.

Of England's likely XI in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler another have never played a red-ball game using a pink ball, while a third has just a single appearance.

Team Management Position

Asked following the Perth match if England would change their plans and send players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant they would not.

This question has come up a lot, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare incredibly well and train incredibly hard every day we get the opportunity.

Head coach Brendon McCullum appeared to suggest flexibility when he stated:

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

The coach added that he was "sure" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "amateurish" to pass up the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

What harm is it taking part in two days of cricket using the day-night ball in evening conditions?

He 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 would be, you've got a pink-ball 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 midweek and do not plan to practice before the start of the week. There is the possibility of an extra practice on Sunday.