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England's primary batters chose to miss a day-night practice game in the capital, even after a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists lost within two days in the first Test, creating an 11-day break ahead of the upcoming day-night Test in Queensland.

This gap opened up the possibility for squad members to join the England Lions two-day pink-ball fixture versus a invitational side in the capital this weekend.

Instead, only pace bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, along with batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom featured in the first Test – will travel and link up with the development squad.

Sources suggest that none of the first-Test players requested to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Ex- English Player Describes Move "Bizarre"

Upon learning the team thought about dispatching squad members to the capital for the England Lions match, it was expected it would be players in need of match time.

The former English fast bowler and chief cricket commentator continued:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the series. The proof of the pudding will be with the results.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

This match against the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for visiting teams to Australia.

England participated in the game in past series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule this time due to a possible short gap to Brisbane had the Perth Test gone all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to Canberra takes just under four hours, with a additional 120-minute flight from the capital and Brisbane.

However, given the first Test finished in just two days – the first two-day Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of sending some of the batters to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out twice in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been 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 failed to reach 10 runs in either innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four English opener to record a pair in an Ashes match.

England played only one warm-up match prior to the Perth match, meaning the game in Canberra could have offered valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Test Ahead

Furthermore, the development game would have offered experience using the day-night ball, with the team due to play a unusual pink-ball Test.

England have lost 5 of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, while Australia triumphed in 13 from 14.

With a key bowler, who took a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia boast the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

Of England's likely XI in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match using a pink ball, while a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Questioned after the Perth match whether the team would alter their plans and send players to Canberra, the skipper remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done in the past. Our preparations incredibly well and train intensely every day we get the opportunity.

Head 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 at the moment, but we'll decide soon.

McCullum continued that he was "sure" a batter could play in the capital if he wanted to.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Speaking on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan said it would be "amateurish" to pass up the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

What harm is it playing 48 hours of cricket with the pink ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan added:

I can't be so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they might get slightly improved?

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.

England are scheduled to fly to Queensland on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. Exists the possibility of an extra training session at the weekend.