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The English key batsmen chose to skip a day-night tour match in Canberra, despite a heavy loss in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England lost in under 48 hours in Perth, leaving an extended break ahead of the upcoming day-night Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up the possibility for squad members to participate in the development squad 48-hour pink-ball match against a invitational side in the capital this weekend.

Instead, just pace bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batter a young player – all of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the development squad.

It is understood that none of the Perth players requested to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Ex- English Star Describes Move "Unusual"

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

The former England paceman and lead analyst added:

England must take charge of their preparation and how they perform during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The real test will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Experience

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

England participated in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule on this occasion because of a possible short gap 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 120-minute flight between the capital and Brisbane.

However, considering the opening match finished so quickly – the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of dispatching at least the batsmen to the capital seemed to be logical.

Performance Issues in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England faced such a low number of deliveries in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener was only the fourth England opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single warm-up match prior to the Perth match, so the game in the capital would have provided valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

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

England have lost 5 of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia have won thirteen from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side boast the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the probable XI in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match with a day-night ball, while a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Position

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

This question has come up a lot, that's how it was done in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and train intensely every day to improve our game.

Coach the coach seemed to leave the door open when he said:

We've just got to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll work it out soon.

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

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan stated it would be "amateurish" to decline the chance to participate in the capital.

How could it hurt playing 48 hours of cricket using the pink ball under lights?

Vaughan continued:

It's hard to believe so traditional to suggest that by playing cricket they might get slightly improved?

The approach I'd take is, there's a day-night two-day game, you go and grab it, make the most of it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland on Wednesday and do not plan to practice before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an additional training session on Sunday.