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England's main batsmen have opted to skip a pink-ball tour match in the capital, even after a comprehensive defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

England lost within two days in Perth, leaving an extended break before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the chance for players to join the development squad 48-hour pink-ball match against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just pace bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, plus batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom featured in the first Test – will travel and link up with the Lions.

Sources suggest that none of the first-Test players requested to participate in the capital match.

Former English Star Calls Decision "Unusual"

When we heard the team thought about dispatching squad members to Canberra for the development squad game, it was expected they would send players in need of practice.

Ex- English fast bowler and lead analyst continued:

England are responsible for their preparation 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 in the eating.

Lost Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

The fixture with the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for touring sides down under.

The tourists participated in the fixture in previous series in Australia, but was left out in their schedule on this occasion due to a potential tight turnaround to the next Test had the Perth Test gone all five days.

The flight from Western Australia to the capital takes just under four hours, with a additional 120-minute journey from the capital and Queensland.

However, considering the first Test was completed in just two days – marking the first two-day Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of sending at least the batsmen to the capital seemed to make sense.

Batting Issues in Perth

• The tourists dismissed twice in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s have England faced so few deliveries in losing 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 opener to register a pair in an Ashes match.

England played only one warm-up match prior to the first Test, so the game in the capital could have offered valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered practice with the pink ball, with England due to play a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists have lost five of their 7 previous day-nighters, while the hosts triumphed in thirteen from 14.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side have the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the probable line-up in Brisbane, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match with a pink ball, while a third has just a single appearance.

Team Management Position

Questioned following the Perth match if the team would change their plans and dispatch squad members to the capital, the skipper remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare incredibly well and work intensely every day to improve our game.

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

We need to work out what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

The coach added that he was "confident" a batsman could play in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to play in Canberra.

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

Vaughan continued:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by getting match practice they could become slightly improved?

My method is, there's a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

England will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to train before the start of the week. There is the possibility of an additional training session at the weekend.