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England's primary batters have opted to skip a pink-ball tour match in Canberra, despite a heavy defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists lost within 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an extended gap before the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

The break presented the option for players to participate in the development squad two-day pink-ball fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, just fast bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, plus batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom played in the Perth match – will travel to join the development squad.

Reports indicate that not one of the first-Test players asked to play in the Canberra match.

Former England Player Describes Move "Strange"

Upon learning England were considering dispatching squad members to the capital for the England Lions match, it was expected it would be those in need of practice.

Ex- England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator continued:

England must take charge of their preparation and their performances during matches. It's their job to giving it their best shot to win the Ashes. The real test comes with the results.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

The fixture against the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides down under.

England participated in the fixture in previous series in Australia, but was left out in their schedule on this occasion because of a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane had the first match had lasted all five days.

The flight from Western Australia to the capital requires almost 240 minutes, and a additional 120-minute flight from Canberra to Brisbane.

Yet, considering the opening match was completed in just two days – marking the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of sending some of the batters to the capital appeared to be logical.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• The tourists dismissed in both innings in the first Test inside 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England survived such a low number of deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Both the skipper and ex-skipper failed to reach 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth England opener to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one warm-up match before the Perth match, so the fixture in Canberra would have provided valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Ahead

Furthermore, the development game would have offered practice using the day-night ball, as the team due to play a unusual pink-ball Test.

England been defeated in 5 of their 7 previous day-nighters, while the hosts have won thirteen from fourteen.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, Australia boast the best day-night specialist in the world.

Of England's probable line-up in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match with a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Position

Questioned after the Perth match if England would change their plans and send squad members to Canberra, the skipper was adamant they would not.

I've been asked a lot, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations incredibly well and train incredibly hard whenever possible we get the opportunity.

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

We've just got to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll work it out soon.

McCullum added that he was "sure" a batter could play in the capital if he wanted to.

Criticism from Former Captain

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

What harm is it taking part in 48 hours of cricket using the day-night ball in evening conditions?

He added:

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

My method is, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

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