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

England were beaten in under two days in Perth, creating an 11-day break before the upcoming day-night Test in Queensland.

This gap opened up the possibility for squad members to join the development squad two-day pink-ball match versus a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, just pace bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the first Test – will travel to join the development squad.

Reports indicate that none of the Perth XI asked to participate in the capital fixture.

Ex- England Star Describes Decision "Strange"

When we heard England were considering sending players to Canberra for the England Lions match, we assumed they would send players requiring practice.

Ex- England paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and their performances on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the series. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

This match with the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams down under.

The tourists have played in the game in previous series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule this time due to a potential tight turnaround to the next Test if the Perth Test gone the full duration.

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

However, considering the opening match finished in just two days – the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of sending at least the batsmen to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Performance Issues in First Test

• England dismissed in both innings in Perth in under 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team survived such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth English opener to record a pair in an Ashes match.

England played only one warm-up match before the Perth match, so the fixture in the capital could have offered much-needed time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Challenge Ahead

Furthermore, the development game would have offered practice using the pink ball, with England due to play a unusual pink-ball Test.

England been defeated in 5 of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, while Australia have won thirteen from 14.

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

Among the probable line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match using a day-night ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Position

Questioned following the first Test if the team would alter their plans and send squad members to Canberra, the skipper remained firm they would not.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations thoroughly and work incredibly hard every day we get the opportunity.

Coach Brendon McCullum appeared to leave the door open when he stated:

We've just got to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll decide soon.

The coach continued that he was "confident" a batter could play in the capital if he wanted to.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Commenting on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "amateurish" to pass up the opportunity to play in the capital.

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

He continued:

It's hard to believe so old school to propose that by playing cricket they could become a little bit better?

My method is, you've got a day-night two-day game, you go and grab it, make the most of it, participate fully and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to practice before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an extra training session on Sunday.