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The English key batters decided to miss a day-night tour match in Canberra, despite a comprehensive defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England lost in under 48 hours in Perth, leaving an extended break ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

This gap presented the chance for squad members to join the development squad 48-hour pink-ball fixture versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, just fast bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, plus batter a young player – none of whom featured in the Perth match – are set to go to join the development squad.

Reports indicate that not one of the Perth players asked to participate in the capital match.

Former English Star Describes Decision "Unusual"

Upon learning the team thought about sending squad members to Canberra for the development squad game, we assumed it would be players requiring match time.

Ex- English fast bowler and chief cricket commentator continued:

England 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 proof of the pudding will be with the results.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Experience

This match against the invitational side is a tradition for visiting teams down under.

The tourists have played in the game in past Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans this time due to a possible tight turnaround to the next Test if the first match had lasted all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to Canberra takes just under 240 minutes, with a further two-hour journey between Canberra and Queensland.

However, given the opening match was completed in just two days – the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of sending some of the batsmen to the capital appeared to make sense.

Performance Issues in Perth

• England were bowled out in both innings in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team faced so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• The opener became one of just four England opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one warm-up match before the Perth match, meaning the game in the capital would have provided valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered practice using the day-night ball, as England due to play a rare day-night Test.

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

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who took a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia have the top day-night specialist in the world.

Of England's likely line-up in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and fast bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match with a pink ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Questioned after the first Test if the team would change preparations and send squad members to Canberra, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that was the method in the past. We prepare incredibly well and train intensely every day we get the opportunity.

Coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We need to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

McCullum continued that he was "confident" a batsman could play in the capital should they wish.

Criticism from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to play in Canberra.

What harm is it taking part in two days of the game with the pink ball in evening conditions?

He continued:

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

My method is, 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 do not plan to practice until Monday. There is the chance of an extra practice at the weekend.