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England's primary batsmen decided to miss a pink-ball tour match in the capital, even after a heavy loss in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists suffered defeat in under two days in the first Test, leaving an extended gap before the second day-night Test in Brisbane.

The break presented the chance for players to join the development squad 48-hour day-night match against a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just fast bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, plus batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the first Test – will travel to join the Lions.

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

Former English Star Describes Decision "Strange"

When we heard the team were considering dispatching squad members to Canberra for the England Lions game, it was expected it would be those requiring match time.

Ex- English paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

The team must take charge of their preparation and their performances during matches. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Experience

This match with the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for touring sides down under.

England have played in the game in previous series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion because of a possible short gap to Brisbane had the Perth Test gone all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital takes just under 240 minutes, with a further 120-minute flight between the capital to Brisbane.

Yet, considering the first Test was completed in just two days – the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the idea of sending some of the batters to the capital seemed to make sense.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• England were bowled out in both innings in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England faced such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four England opening batsman to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single practice game before the Perth match, meaning the game in Canberra could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Ahead

In addition, the Lions match would have offered practice with the pink ball, as the team due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

England have lost five of their seven prior day-nighters, while Australia have won 13 from 14.

With a key bowler, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia have the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the probable line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match using a pink ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Asked after the first Test whether England would change preparations and send players to the capital, the skipper remained firm in refusing.

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

Head coach the coach appeared to leave the door open when he said:

We need to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position at the moment, but we'll decide soon.

McCullum added that he was "confident" a batter could play in Canberra if he wanted to.

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking recently, former captain a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the chance to play in the capital.

How could it hurt taking part in two days of the game with the day-night ball under lights?

Vaughan continued:

It's hard to believe so traditional to suggest that by getting match practice they might get slightly improved?

The approach I'd take is, you've got a pink-ball two-day game, you go and grab it, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. Exists the possibility of an extra training session on Sunday.