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The English main batters decided to avoid a pink-ball practice game in the capital, even after a heavy loss in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

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

This gap presented the option for players to participate in the England Lions 48-hour day-night fixture versus a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, only fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, plus batsman a young player – all of whom featured in the first Test – are set to go to join the development squad.

Reports indicate that none of the first-Test players asked to play in the Canberra fixture.

Former England Star Calls Decision "Bizarre"

When we heard England thought about dispatching squad members to Canberra for the development squad game, it was expected they would send players requiring match time.

Ex- England paceman and lead analyst continued:

The team are responsible for how they prepare and their performances on the field. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the series. The real test comes with the results.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

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

The tourists have played in the game in past Ashes tours, but it was not from their plans on this occasion due to a potential tight turnaround to Brisbane if the Perth Test had lasted all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital requires just under four hours, and a further 120-minute journey between the capital to Brisbane.

However, considering the opening match was completed in just two days – the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of dispatching at least the batsmen to Canberra appeared to make sense.

Batting Issues in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in Perth inside 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 has the team survived such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in both innings.
• The opener was only the fourth England opener to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

England played only one warm-up match prior to the Perth match, so the game in Canberra could have offered much-needed time in the middle.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Ahead

Furthermore, the Lions match provided practice using the day-night ball, as the team set to face a rare day-night Test.

England have lost five of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, while Australia triumphed in 13 from 14.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side have the top day-night specialist in the world.

Among the probable XI in Brisbane, gloveman one player and fast bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match with a day-night ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Questioned following the first Test whether England would alter their plans and dispatch players to Canberra, the skipper remained firm they would not.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and train incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

Coach the coach appeared to leave the door open when he stated:

We need to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll work it out soon.

The coach continued that he was "confident" a batter would be allowed to participate in the capital should they wish.

Concerns from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "amateurish" to pass up the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

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

He continued:

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

The approach I'd take is, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you go and grab it, go and take it, play those two days and give yourself the optimal preparation.

England will travel to Queensland on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an extra practice at the weekend.