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The English main batsmen chose to avoid a pink-ball tour match in Canberra, even after a heavy defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England lost within two days in Perth, creating an extended gap ahead of the second day-night Test in Queensland.

The break presented the option for players to join the England Lions 48-hour day-night match versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra this weekend.

However, only pace bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batsman a young player – none of whom played in the first Test – will travel and link up with the Lions.

Sources suggest that none of the first-Test XI asked to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Former English Star Calls Move "Bizarre"

When we heard the team were considering sending squad members to Canberra for the England Lions game, we assumed they would send those requiring practice.

Ex- England paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and their performances during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible of winning the Ashes. The real test will be in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

This match against the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for visiting teams down under.

The tourists have played in the fixture in previous series in Australia, but it was not from their plans on this occasion because of a potential short gap to Brisbane if the first match gone the full duration.

The flight from Western Australia to the capital requires just under 240 minutes, and a further two-hour journey between Canberra and Queensland.

Yet, considering the first Test finished so quickly – the first 48-hour Test in the series in over a century – the thought of sending at least the batsmen to the capital seemed to be logical.

Batting Issues in Perth

• England were bowled out twice in Perth inside 68 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team faced so few deliveries in losing a Test.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• The opener was one of just four English opening batsman to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single warm-up match before the first Test, meaning the game in the capital could have offered valuable batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

In addition, the Lions match would have offered experience with the pink ball, as England due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

England have lost 5 of their 7 previous day-nighters, while the hosts have won 13 from fourteen.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, Australia have the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's probable line-up in the next Test, gloveman one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a red-ball game using a day-night ball, while a third has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Questioned following the first Test whether the team would change preparations and send squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes remained firm they would not.

This question has come up a lot, that was the method in the past. We prepare incredibly well and work incredibly hard whenever possible to improve our game.

Head coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he said:

We need to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to any position at the moment, but we'll work it out soon.

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

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking recently, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

What harm is it taking part in 48 hours of cricket using the day-night ball under lights?

Vaughan continued:

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

The approach I'd take would be, you've got a pink-ball two-day game, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

The squad 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 practice at the weekend.