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The English primary batters chose to miss a pink-ball tour match in the capital, even after a devastating defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists were beaten in under 48 hours in the first Test, creating an extended break before the upcoming day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the possibility for squad members to join the development squad 48-hour pink-ball fixture versus a invitational side in the capital this weekend.

Instead, only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, plus batter a young player – all of whom played in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the Lions.

Reports indicate that none of the Perth players asked to play in the capital fixture.

Former England Star Calls Decision "Strange"

Upon learning England thought about dispatching players to Canberra for the development squad game, we assumed it would be those requiring match time.

Ex- England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator added:

England are responsible for their preparation and how they perform during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible of winning the series. The proof of the pudding comes with the results.

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

This match with the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides down under.

The tourists have played in the game in past Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans on this occasion due to a possible short gap to Brisbane if the first match had lasted all five days.

Travel from Perth to the capital takes almost 240 minutes, with a further two-hour flight between the capital and Brisbane.

Yet, given the first Test was completed so quickly – the first 48-hour Ashes Test since 1921 – the idea of dispatching some of the batters to Canberra appeared to make sense.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• The tourists dismissed twice in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England faced so few balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper failed to reach 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener became one of just four England opening batsman to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single practice game before the first Test, so the game in the capital would have provided valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Ahead

Furthermore, the Lions match provided practice using the pink ball, as the team due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

The tourists have lost 5 of their 7 previous day-nighters, while Australia triumphed in thirteen from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, Australia boast the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's probable XI in the next Test, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match using a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Team Management Position

Asked after the Perth match whether England would change preparations and send players to Canberra, the skipper remained firm they would not.

This question has come up repeatedly, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare thoroughly and work intensely whenever possible to improve our game.

Coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he said:

We've just got to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

McCullum added that he was "confident" a batsman would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking recently, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "amateurish" to pass up the chance to play in the capital.

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

He added:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by playing cricket they might get a little bit better?

My method is, you've got a day-night two-day game, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland midweek and do not plan to train before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an extra practice at the weekend.