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England's primary batters chose to avoid a day-night tour match in the capital, despite a comprehensive defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists were beaten within 48 hours in Perth, leaving an 11-day break before the upcoming day-night Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up the possibility for squad members to participate in the development squad 48-hour pink-ball match versus a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, only fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – all of whom played in the first Test – will travel and link up with the Lions.

It is understood that not one of the Perth players asked to play in the Canberra match.

Former England Player Calls Move "Bizarre"

Upon learning the team were considering dispatching squad members to the capital for the development squad match, we assumed they would send those requiring match time.

Ex- England paceman and lead analyst added:

England are responsible for how they prepare and how they perform during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible of winning the Ashes. The proof of the pudding comes in the eating.

Lost Chance for Day-Night Experience

The fixture with the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides down under.

The tourists have played in the game in previous series in Australia, but it was not from their plans this time due to a possible short gap to Brisbane had the Perth Test had lasted all five days.

Travel from Perth to Canberra requires almost 240 minutes, and a additional two-hour flight between Canberra to Brisbane.

However, given the opening match was completed in just two days – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series in over a century – the thought of dispatching some of the batsmen to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Performance Issues in Perth

• England were bowled out twice in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s have England survived so few balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in both innings.
• The opener was one of just four English opener to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

England played only one practice game prior to the Perth match, so the game in Canberra could have offered valuable batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Challenge Ahead

In addition, the development game provided practice using the day-night ball, as the team due to play a rare day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their seven previous day-nighters, while Australia have won thirteen from fourteen.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who took a ten-wicket haul in Perth, the home side boast the top pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the probable line-up in Brisbane, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a red-ball game using a pink ball, while Brydon Carse has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Questioned following the first Test if the team would change preparations and dispatch players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes remained firm they would not.

I've been asked a lot, that was the method in the past. We prepare incredibly well and work incredibly hard whenever possible to improve our game.

Coach Brendon McCullum seemed to suggest flexibility when he said:

We need to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to a fixed plan currently, but we'll work it out soon.

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

Criticism from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to decline the chance to participate in the capital.

How could it hurt taking part in 48 hours of the game with the pink ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan continued:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by getting match practice they could become a little bit better?

The approach I'd take would be, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you go and grab it, go and take it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

England will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to train before the start of the week. There is the possibility of an additional training session at the weekend.