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The English key batsmen chose to avoid a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, despite a devastating defeat in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists suffered defeat within two days in the first Test, creating an 11-day gap before the second day-night Test in Queensland.

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

However, just pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batter a young player – all of whom played in the first Test – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

It is understood that not one of the Perth XI asked to play in the Canberra fixture.

Ex- English Star Calls Move "Strange"

When we heard England were considering sending players to Canberra for the development squad match, it was expected they would send those requiring match time.

Ex- English fast bowler and lead analyst added:

The team are responsible for their preparation and their performances during matches. It's their job to giving it their best shot of winning the Ashes. The real test comes with the results.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Experience

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

The tourists have played in the game in past series in Australia, but was left out in their schedule this time because of a possible tight turnaround to the next Test if the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital requires just under four hours, and a further two-hour journey from Canberra and Queensland.

However, considering the first Test finished so quickly – marking the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of dispatching at least the batters to the capital appeared to be logical.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out twice in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team survived so few balls in losing a Test match.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in both innings.
• The opener was one of just four England opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes match.

The side played only one warm-up match prior to the Perth match, so the game in Canberra would have provided valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Coming Up

In addition, the Lions match would have offered practice using the pink ball, as the team set to face a rare day-night Test.

England have lost 5 of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts have won thirteen from fourteen.

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

Among the probable line-up in Brisbane, gloveman Jamie Smith and fast bowler another have never played a red-ball game with a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Position

Questioned following the first Test whether England would alter preparations and dispatch squad members to the capital, the skipper was adamant they would not.

This question has come up repeatedly, that's how it was done a long time ago. We prepare thoroughly and work incredibly hard whenever possible to improve our game.

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

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 work it out in a couple of days.

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

Concerns from Former Captain

Commenting recently, former captain Michael Vaughan stated it would be "amateurish" to decline the opportunity to play in Canberra.

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

He continued:

It's hard to believe so old school to propose that by playing cricket they could become slightly improved?

The approach I'd take would be, you've got a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

The squad will travel to Brisbane midweek and are not scheduled to train before the start of the week. There is the chance of an additional practice at the weekend.