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England's main batsmen chose to miss a day-night practice game in the capital, despite a comprehensive loss in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England were beaten in under two days in the first Test, leaving an 11-day gap ahead of the second day-night Test in Brisbane.

The break presented the option for squad members to join the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball match against a invitational side in the capital this weekend.

However, just fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batter a young player – all of whom featured in the first Test – will travel and link up with the development squad.

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

Former English Star Describes Move "Bizarre"

When we heard England were considering sending players to Canberra for the development squad match, we assumed it would be those in need of match time.

Ex- English paceman and lead analyst continued:

England must take charge of their preparation and how they perform on the field. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The real test comes with the results.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Experience

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

England have played in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans on this occasion because of a potential tight turnaround to Brisbane if the Perth Test gone all five days.

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

Yet, considering the opening match finished in just two days – marking the first 48-hour Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of dispatching some of the batsmen to the capital appeared to be logical.

Batting Issues in Perth

• The tourists dismissed in both innings in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England survived so few balls in losing a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became only the fourth England opener to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single practice game prior to the Perth match, so the fixture in the capital would have provided valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

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

England have lost 5 of their 7 prior pink-ball Tests, while Australia triumphed in 13 from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side boast the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the likely XI in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler another have never played a red-ball game with a day-night ball, and a third has played only one.

Team Management Position

Questioned after the Perth match whether the team would alter their plans and send players to the capital, the skipper remained firm they would not.

This question has come up a lot, that was the method in the past. Our preparations incredibly well and train incredibly hard whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Head coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We've just got to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

The coach continued that he was "confident" a batsman could play in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Former Captain

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

What harm is it playing two days of cricket using the pink ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan added:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by playing cricket they might get a little bit better?

My method would be, there's a day-night two-day game, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice before the start of the week. Exists the chance of an additional practice on Sunday.