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England's main batsmen chose to miss a pink-ball practice game in the capital, even after a heavy loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

England were beaten within 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an 11-day break before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

This gap presented the chance for squad members to join the development squad two-day pink-ball match versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just pace bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batter a young player – none of whom played in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the Lions.

Reports indicate that none of the Perth players requested to participate in the Canberra match.

Ex- England Player Describes Move "Strange"

Upon learning the team thought about sending squad members to Canberra for the development squad game, it was expected they would send players in need of practice.

The former English paceman and lead analyst added:

England must take charge of their preparation and how they perform on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible of winning the Ashes. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

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

England participated in the game in previous series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion due to a potential tight turnaround to Brisbane if the first match gone all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital takes almost four hours, and a additional two-hour flight between Canberra to Queensland.

Yet, given the opening match finished so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series in over a century – the thought of dispatching some of the batsmen to the capital seemed to be logical.

Batting Struggles in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out twice in Perth in under 68 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team faced such a low number of balls in losing a Test.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in either innings.
• The opener was one of just four England opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

The side had just a single warm-up match before the first Test, meaning the fixture in the capital would have provided valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Test Ahead

In addition, the Lions match would have offered experience using the day-night ball, with the team set to face a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in 5 of their 7 previous day-nighters, while Australia triumphed in thirteen from fourteen.

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

Of England's likely line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game using a pink ball, while a third has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Asked after the first Test whether the team would change their plans and send squad members to the capital, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that's how it was done in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and train intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Head coach Brendon McCullum appeared to leave the door open when he stated:

We need to determine what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

The coach continued that he was "sure" a batsman could play in the capital should they wish.

Criticism from Former Captain

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

What harm is it playing 48 hours of the game using the pink ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan continued:

I can't be so old school to propose that by playing cricket they could become slightly improved?

My method is, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, participate fully and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad will travel to Brisbane midweek and are not scheduled to train until Monday. Exists the possibility of an extra practice on Sunday.