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The English main batters chose to avoid a day-night tour match in Canberra, even after a heavy defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists lost in under two days in Perth, creating an 11-day gap ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

This gap opened up the chance for squad members to join the development squad 48-hour pink-ball fixture versus a invitational side in the capital this weekend.

Instead, only pace bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – all of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go to join the development squad.

Sources suggest that none of the Perth players asked to play in the capital match.

Former England Star Calls Decision "Bizarre"

When we heard England thought about dispatching players to the capital for the England Lions game, we assumed it would be players requiring practice.

Ex- England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator added:

England are responsible for how they prepare and their performances on the field. It's their job to giving it their best shot to win the series. The real test comes with the results.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

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

The tourists have played in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans this time due to a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane if the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

The flight from Western Australia to Canberra requires just under four hours, with a additional 120-minute flight from Canberra to Brisbane.

However, given the opening match finished in just two days – marking the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the idea of sending at least the batters to Canberra appeared to make sense.

Batting Issues in Perth

• England were bowled out in both innings in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England survived so few deliveries in losing a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth English opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one warm-up match prior to the first Test, meaning the game in Canberra would have provided much-needed time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Test Ahead

Furthermore, the Lions match provided experience using the day-night ball, as the team due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

England have lost 5 of their seven previous day-nighters, while Australia have won 13 from 14.

With a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in Perth, Australia have the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

Of England's likely XI in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match using a pink ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Asked after the Perth match if the team would alter their plans and dispatch squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant they would not.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method in the past. Our preparations incredibly well and train incredibly hard whenever possible we get the opportunity.

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

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

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper a well-known figure stated it would be "amateurish" to pass up the chance to participate in Canberra.

What harm is it playing 48 hours of cricket with the pink ball under lights?

Vaughan continued:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by getting match practice they might get slightly improved?

My method would be, there's a day-night 48-hour match, you go and grab it, make the most of it, participate fully and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

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