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The English main batters chose to skip a pink-ball practice game in the capital, despite a devastating defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists lost in under 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an 11-day break ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break opened up the option for players to participate in the England Lions 48-hour day-night fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital this weekend.

However, only fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batsman a young player – all of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel to join the development squad.

Sources suggest that not one of the Perth XI asked to participate in the Canberra match.

Former English Player Describes Move "Strange"

When we heard England were considering dispatching players to the capital for the development squad match, it was expected they would send those requiring match time.

The former England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator added:

England must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform on the field. It's their job to giving it their best shot of winning the Ashes. The real test will be in the eating.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Experience

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

England have played in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans this time because of a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane if the first match gone all five days.

Travel from Perth to the capital requires almost 240 minutes, with a additional 120-minute flight between Canberra and Brisbane.

Yet, given the first Test finished in just two days – the first 48-hour Test in the series in over a century – the thought of dispatching at least the batsmen to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Performance Issues in First Test

• England dismissed in both innings in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team faced such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four English opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

England had just a single practice game before the first Test, meaning the fixture in the capital would have provided valuable time in the middle.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

Furthermore, the development game provided experience using the day-night ball, with England due to play a rare day-night Test.

England have lost 5 of their 7 prior day-nighters, whereas Australia have won thirteen from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, the home side boast the best day-night specialist in the world.

Of England's probable XI in the next Test, gloveman one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match with a pink ball, and a third has played only one.

Leadership Position

Asked after the first Test whether the team would change preparations and send squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant they would not.

This question has come up repeatedly, that's how it was done a long time ago. Our preparations thoroughly and train incredibly hard every day we get the opportunity.

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

We need to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

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

Concerns from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper a well-known figure stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to play in the capital.

How could it hurt playing two days of cricket using the day-night ball under lights?

Vaughan added:

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

The approach I'd take would be, there's a pink-ball two-day game, you go and grab it, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

England are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to practice before the start of the week. There is the chance of an additional training session on Sunday.