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The English main batters decided to skip a pink-ball tour match in the capital, despite a comprehensive defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England suffered defeat within two days in Perth, leaving an 11-day gap ahead of the upcoming day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the possibility for players to join the development squad 48-hour pink-ball match against a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only pace bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batsman Jacob Bethell – all of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go to join the development squad.

Reports indicate that none of the first-Test players asked to participate in the capital match.

Ex- England Player Describes Decision "Strange"

Upon learning the team thought about sending squad members to Canberra for the England Lions game, we assumed it would be players requiring practice.

The former English paceman and lead analyst added:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and their performances during matches. It's their job to giving it their best shot of winning the Ashes. The real test will be with the results.

Lost Chance for Day-Night Experience

This match against the invitational side is a tradition for visiting teams down under.

England participated in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans this time because of a potential short gap to Brisbane if the Perth Test gone the full duration.

The flight from Perth to the capital takes almost four hours, with a further two-hour flight from Canberra to Queensland.

However, considering the opening match finished so quickly – the first 48-hour Test in the series in over a century – the thought of dispatching at least the batsmen to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Performance Issues in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out twice in the first Test inside 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 has the team faced so few balls in losing a Test.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was one of just four English opener to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one practice game prior to the first Test, meaning the game in Canberra could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Rare Day-Night Test Coming Up

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

England have lost five of their seven previous pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia have won thirteen from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side boast the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

Of England's likely XI in Brisbane, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match using a day-night ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Questioned following the Perth match whether England would change their plans and send players to the capital, the skipper remained firm they would not.

I've been asked repeatedly, that's how it was done a long time ago. We prepare thoroughly and train incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

Coach Brendon McCullum appeared to suggest flexibility when he said:

We've just got to work out what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to any position at the moment, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

The coach continued that he was "sure" a batter would be allowed to participate in the capital if he wanted to.

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the chance to participate in the capital.

How could it hurt taking part in 48 hours of the game with the pink ball in evening conditions?

He continued:

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

My method would be, 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 will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to practice before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an extra practice on Sunday.