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England's primary batters chose to avoid a day-night tour match in the capital, despite a devastating defeat in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England suffered defeat in under 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an 11-day gap ahead of the upcoming day-night Test in Brisbane.

The break presented the possibility for players to join the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball fixture against a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, just pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the Lions.

It is understood that not one of the first-Test XI requested to play in the capital fixture.

Former England Player Describes Decision "Bizarre"

Upon learning the team were considering sending players to Canberra for the development squad game, we assumed it would be those in need of match time.

Ex- English paceman and lead analyst continued:

England are responsible for their preparation and their performances on the field. It's their job to giving it their best shot of winning the series. The proof of the pudding comes in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

The fixture against the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for touring sides to Australia.

England have played in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule on this occasion due to a possible short gap to the next Test if the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Perth to the capital takes just under four hours, with a additional two-hour flight between Canberra to Queensland.

Yet, considering the opening match was completed in just two days – the first 48-hour Test in the series in over a century – the thought of dispatching at least the batsmen to the capital appeared to make sense.

Performance Issues in First Test

• England were bowled out twice in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s have England faced so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Both the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was one of just four England opener to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England played only one practice game prior to the Perth match, meaning the game in Canberra could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Ahead

In addition, the Lions match would have offered experience with the day-night ball, as the team due to play a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in 5 of their 7 previous day-nighters, whereas the hosts have won 13 from 14.

With a key bowler, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side boast the best day-night specialist in the game.

Among the likely XI in Brisbane, gloveman one player and pace bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match with a pink ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Team Management Position

Questioned following the Perth match whether the team would alter their plans and dispatch squad members to Canberra, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and train intensely every day to improve our game.

Head coach the coach appeared to suggest flexibility when he said:

We need to work out what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position at the moment, but we'll decide soon.

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

Criticism from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to play in Canberra.

What harm is it taking part in two days of cricket using the day-night ball under lights?

He continued:

I can't be so traditional to propose that by getting match practice they could become a little bit better?

My method would be, there's a day-night two-day game, you go and grab it, go and take it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland midweek and do not plan to train until Monday. There is the chance of an additional training session at the weekend.