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England's key batsmen chose to skip a day-night tour match in Canberra, even after a comprehensive loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists were beaten within two days in Perth, leaving an extended gap ahead of the second day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the chance for players to join the England Lions two-day pink-ball match versus a invitational side in the capital this weekend.

Instead, just pace bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batter a young player – all of whom played in the Perth match – will travel to join the Lions.

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

Former English Player Calls Move "Bizarre"

Upon learning England were considering sending squad members to Canberra for the development squad game, it was expected it would be those requiring match time.

The former England fast bowler and lead analyst continued:

The team are responsible for their preparation and their performances on the field. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding will be with the results.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

This match against the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for visiting teams to Australia.

The tourists participated in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule this time because of a potential tight turnaround to Brisbane had the Perth Test had lasted all five days.

Travel from Perth to the capital requires almost four hours, with a additional 120-minute journey from Canberra to Queensland.

However, given the first Test finished so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of dispatching at least the batters to the capital appeared to be logical.

Performance Struggles in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in Perth in under 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 has the team survived such a low number of deliveries in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper failed to reach 10 runs in both innings.
• The opener became only the fourth England opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one practice game before the first Test, so the fixture in the capital could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Challenge Ahead

Furthermore, the development game provided practice with the pink ball, with England set to face a unusual pink-ball Test.

England have lost 5 of their 7 previous day-nighters, while Australia triumphed in 13 from 14.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia have the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the probable line-up in Brisbane, gloveman one player and pace bowler another have never played a first-class match with a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Position

Asked after the Perth match whether England would alter their plans and dispatch players to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method in the past. Our preparations incredibly well and work incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

Coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he said:

We've just got to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to any position at the moment, but we'll decide soon.

McCullum added that he was "confident" a batsman could play in the capital should they wish.

Criticism from Former Captain

Commenting recently, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to decline the chance to play in the capital.

What harm is it playing two days of cricket with the day-night ball under lights?

Vaughan continued:

It's hard to believe so old school to propose that by playing cricket they could become a little bit better?

My method would be, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and give yourself the best chance.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. There is the chance of an extra practice at the weekend.