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The English main batters chose to avoid a pink-ball tour match in the capital, even after a devastating defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists suffered defeat within 48 hours in Perth, leaving an 11-day break ahead of the second day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the chance for squad members to participate in the England Lions 48-hour day-night match against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the development squad.

Sources suggest that none of the Perth players requested to participate in the Canberra match.

Ex- English Player Calls Decision "Strange"

When we heard the team thought about dispatching players to the capital for the development squad match, it was expected it would be players in need of match time.

The former England paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

The team are responsible for how they prepare and their performances during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the series. The proof of the pudding comes in the eating.

Missed Chance for Day-Night Experience

The fixture with the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams to Australia.

England participated in the game in previous Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans this time due to a possible tight turnaround to the next Test had the first match gone the full duration.

Travel from Perth to Canberra requires almost 240 minutes, with a further 120-minute journey from the capital to Queensland.

However, considering the opening match finished so quickly – the first 48-hour Test in the series in over a century – the thought of dispatching at least the batsmen to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Batting Issues in Perth

• England dismissed in both innings in the first Test inside 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 has the team survived so few balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth English opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

England played only one warm-up match prior to the first Test, meaning the fixture in Canberra would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Ahead

In addition, the development game provided practice using the day-night ball, as England set to face a rare day-night Test.

England been defeated in five of their seven previous day-nighters, while the hosts have won thirteen from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, the home side boast the best day-night specialist in the world.

Among the likely XI in Brisbane, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match with a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Questioned after the first Test if England would change their plans and send squad members to Canberra, the skipper remained firm they would not.

This question has come up repeatedly, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare thoroughly and work intensely every day to improve our game.

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

We need to work out what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

McCullum added that he was "sure" a batter could play in the capital should they wish.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the opportunity to play in Canberra.

How could it hurt playing 48 hours of cricket using the day-night ball under lights?

Vaughan added:

I can't be so traditional to propose that by getting match practice they might get a little bit better?

The approach I'd take would be, there's a pink-ball two-day game, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

England will travel to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to train before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an extra practice on Sunday.