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England's main batsmen chose to miss a pink-ball tour match in the capital, even after a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

England were beaten within 48 hours in Perth, creating an extended gap ahead of the second day-night Test in Queensland.

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

However, just fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the Perth match – are set to go to join the development squad.

It is understood that not one of the first-Test XI asked to play in the capital match.

Ex- England Player Calls Move "Bizarre"

When we heard the team were considering sending players to Canberra for the England Lions match, it was expected they would send those in need of match time.

Ex- English fast bowler and lead analyst added:

The team must take charge of their preparation and their performances during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the series. The real test will be in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

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

The tourists participated in the fixture in previous series in Australia, but it was not from their plans on this occasion because of a potential short gap to the next Test if the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

The flight from Perth to Canberra takes almost 240 minutes, with a further 120-minute journey between Canberra to Brisbane.

However, considering the first Test was completed so quickly – the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of sending at least the batsmen to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Performance Issues in First Test

• England were bowled out twice in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England survived so few deliveries 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 was one of just four English opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one warm-up match before the first Test, meaning the game in Canberra could have offered valuable batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Challenge Ahead

Furthermore, the development game would have offered experience with the pink ball, with the team due to play a unusual pink-ball Test.

The tourists been defeated in 5 of their seven prior day-nighters, whereas the hosts triumphed in thirteen from fourteen.

With a key bowler, who took a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, Australia have the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the probable line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match with a pink ball, while Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Position

Questioned after the Perth match whether England would change their plans and dispatch players to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that's how it was done in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and train incredibly hard whenever possible to improve our game.

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

We've just got to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide soon.

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

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the chance to participate in the capital.

How could it hurt playing two days of cricket using the pink ball under lights?

Vaughan added:

I can't be so old school to propose that by playing cricket they could become a little bit better?

The approach I'd take is, you've got a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

England are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to practice before the start of the week. Exists the chance of an extra training session on Sunday.