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England's primary batsmen chose to avoid a pink-ball tour match in Canberra, despite a devastating defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

England suffered defeat within 48 hours in the first Test, creating an extended break before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the possibility for players to join the England Lions two-day pink-ball match versus a Prime Minister's XI in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batsman a young player – none of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go to join the development squad.

Sources suggest that not one of the Perth players requested to play in the capital match.

Former English Player Describes Decision "Strange"

Upon learning the team were considering sending players to Canberra for the development squad game, we assumed they would send those in need of match time.

The former England fast bowler and lead analyst continued:

England must take charge of their preparation and how they perform on the field. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the Ashes. The real test will be with the results.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Experience

This match with the invitational side is a tradition for visiting teams to Australia.

The tourists participated in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans on this occasion due to a possible short gap to the next Test had the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

The flight from Western Australia to the capital requires just under 240 minutes, and a further 120-minute journey between the capital and Queensland.

Yet, considering the opening match was completed in just two days – the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of dispatching at least the batsmen to Canberra seemed to make sense.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• The tourists dismissed twice in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since 1904 has the team survived so few balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• The opener became one of just four England opening batsman to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one practice game prior to the first Test, so the game in the capital would have provided valuable batting practice.

Rare Day-Night Challenge Coming Up

In addition, the development game provided practice using the day-night ball, as England due to play a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists have lost five of their seven previous pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia have won thirteen from fourteen.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, the home side boast the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's probable XI in the next Test, gloveman one player and pace bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game with a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Asked after the Perth match whether the team would alter preparations and dispatch players to Canberra, the skipper remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done a long time ago. We prepare thoroughly and train incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

Head coach the coach seemed to leave the door open when he stated:

We've just got to work out what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide soon.

The coach added that he was "confident" a batter could play in the capital should they wish.

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking recently, former captain a well-known figure stated it would be "amateurish" to decline the chance to participate in Canberra.

What harm is it taking part in two days of the game with the day-night ball under lights?

He continued:

I can't be so old school to suggest that by getting match practice they might get a little bit better?

My method is, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, participate fully and give yourself the optimal preparation.

England will travel to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. Exists the chance of an additional practice on Sunday.