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The English main batsmen decided to miss a pink-ball tour match in the capital, even after a comprehensive defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England suffered defeat within 48 hours in Perth, creating an 11-day break before the second day-night Test in Queensland.

The break presented the option for squad members to participate in the England Lions 48-hour day-night fixture against a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only pace bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, along with batter a young player – all of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the Lions.

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

Former England Player Describes Move "Bizarre"

Upon learning England thought about dispatching players to Canberra for the development squad game, we assumed they would send players in need of practice.

The former English paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

England must take charge of their preparation and their performances during matches. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding will be with the results.

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

The fixture with the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides down under.

The tourists have played in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule this time because of a potential short gap to the next Test had the first match had lasted all five days.

Travel from Perth to Canberra requires just under four hours, with a further 120-minute flight from the capital and Queensland.

However, given the first Test finished so quickly – marking the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of dispatching at least the batters to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Performance Issues in Perth

• England were bowled out twice in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s has the team survived such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• The opener was only the fourth English opening batsman to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single warm-up match before the Perth match, so the fixture in Canberra could have offered much-needed time in the middle.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered experience using the day-night ball, as England set to face a rare pink-ball Test.

England have lost five of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts have won thirteen from 14.

With Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in Perth, Australia have the top pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the likely line-up in Brisbane, gloveman Jamie Smith and fast bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game using a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Asked after the first Test if England would alter preparations and send squad members to Canberra, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up a lot, that was the method a long time ago. We prepare thoroughly and work intensely whenever possible to improve our game.

Head coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility 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 decide soon.

The coach added that he was "confident" a batsman could play in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Commenting recently, former captain a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to play in Canberra.

How could it hurt taking part in 48 hours of cricket with the pink ball under lights?

Vaughan added:

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

My method would be, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

England are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice before the start of the week. There is the possibility of an extra training session at the weekend.