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England's primary batters chose to avoid a pink-ball tour match in Canberra, even after a comprehensive loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

England lost within 48 hours in the first Test, creating an extended gap before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the option for squad members to participate in the development squad two-day day-night fixture against a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only pace bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batsman a young player – all of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the Lions.

It is understood that not one of the Perth XI requested to play in the Canberra match.

Former English Player Describes Move "Strange"

Upon learning England thought about dispatching squad members to the capital for the development squad game, we assumed they would send players in need of practice.

Ex- England paceman and lead analyst added:

England must take charge of how they prepare and their performances on the field. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the series. The real test comes in the eating.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Experience

The fixture with the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for visiting teams down under.

England participated in the game in past Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule this time because of a potential short gap to Brisbane if the first match had lasted all five days.

The flight from Perth to Canberra requires just under 240 minutes, with a further 120-minute flight from the capital to Brisbane.

However, considering the opening match was completed so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series in over a century – the idea of dispatching at least the batsmen to Canberra seemed to make sense.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• England dismissed in both innings in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England survived so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach 10 runs in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth English opening batsman to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

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

Uncommon Pink-Ball Test Ahead

In addition, the Lions match provided experience with the day-night ball, as the team set to face a rare day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in 5 of their seven prior day-nighters, whereas Australia have won thirteen from 14.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in Perth, Australia have the best day-night specialist in the game.

Of England's probable line-up in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler another have never played a red-ball game using a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Asked following the first Test if the team would alter their plans and send squad members to the capital, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that's how it was done in the past. Our preparations incredibly well and work incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

Coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he said:

We need to work out what the pros and cons are. We're not married to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll decide soon.

McCullum added that he was "sure" a batsman could play in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking on Saturday, former captain a well-known figure stated it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to play in the capital.

What harm is it taking part in two days of the game using the pink ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan added:

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

My method would be, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

England will travel to Queensland on Wednesday and are not scheduled to train until Monday. There is the chance of an additional training session at the weekend.