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

England lost in under 48 hours in the first Test, creating an 11-day gap before the upcoming day-night Test in Queensland.

This gap opened up the option for players to participate in the England Lions 48-hour day-night fixture against a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, along with batter a young player – all of whom played in the first Test – are set to go to join the development squad.

It is understood that none of the Perth players asked to participate in the capital match.

Ex- England Star Describes Move "Strange"

Upon learning the team were considering sending squad members to Canberra for the development squad match, it was expected they would send players requiring practice.

The former English fast bowler and chief cricket commentator added:

England are responsible for how they prepare and their performances on the field. It's their job to giving it their best shot of winning the series. The proof of the pudding will be with the results.

Lost Chance for Pink-Ball Experience

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

The tourists participated in the game in past Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule on this occasion due to a potential short gap to Brisbane had the first match had lasted all five days.

The flight from Perth to Canberra takes almost four hours, with a additional 120-minute journey between Canberra and Brisbane.

Yet, given the first Test was completed 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 make sense.

Batting Issues in First Test

• England were bowled out twice in the first Test inside 68 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team survived such a low number of deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Both the skipper and ex-skipper failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• The opener was one of just four England opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single practice game prior to the first Test, so the fixture in Canberra could have offered valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match provided experience using the pink ball, with the team set to face a unusual pink-ball Test.

England have lost 5 of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia have won thirteen from 14.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, the home side have the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

Of England's likely XI in the next Test, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience 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 squad members to Canberra, the skipper remained firm they would not.

I've been asked repeatedly, that's how it was done a long time ago. Our preparations thoroughly and work intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

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

We've just got to determine what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

The coach continued that he was "sure" a batsman would be allowed to participate in the capital if he wanted to.

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the opportunity to participate in the capital.

How could it hurt playing 48 hours of cricket using the day-night ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan added:

It's hard to believe so old school to propose that by getting match practice they might get slightly improved?

My method would be, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. There is the possibility of an additional training session on Sunday.