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The English key batsmen chose to avoid a pink-ball tour match in the capital, despite a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England lost within 48 hours in the first Test, creating an 11-day break before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the option for players to join the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball match versus a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, just fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel to join the Lions.

Reports indicate that not one of the Perth XI asked to play in the Canberra match.

Former English Player Calls Move "Unusual"

Upon learning England were considering sending players to the capital for the development squad match, it was expected it would be players requiring match time.

The former English paceman and lead analyst continued:

England are responsible for their preparation and their performances on the field. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the Ashes. The real test comes in the eating.

Lost Chance for Day-Night Experience

The fixture with the invitational side is a tradition for visiting teams down under.

England participated in the game in past Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule on this occasion due to a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane if the Perth Test gone the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to Canberra requires just under 240 minutes, and a further 120-minute flight between Canberra and Brisbane.

Yet, given the first Test was completed so quickly – the first two-day Test in the series in over a century – the thought of dispatching some of the batsmen to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• The tourists dismissed in both innings in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team faced such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper failed to reach double figures in both innings.
• The opener became only the fourth England opener to record a pair in an Ashes match.

The side played only one warm-up match prior to the Perth match, so the game in the capital could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Test Coming Up

In addition, the development game provided experience using the day-night ball, with England due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their seven previous day-nighters, while Australia have won thirteen from fourteen.

With a key bowler, who took a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, Australia boast the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's probable line-up in Brisbane, gloveman one player and fast bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game using a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Leadership Position

Asked after the Perth match whether the team would alter preparations and dispatch players to the capital, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

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

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

We need to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to any position at the moment, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

McCullum added that he was "sure" a batsman would be allowed to participate in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Speaking on Saturday, ex-skipper a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to participate in the capital.

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

Vaughan added:

I can't be so old school to suggest that by playing cricket they might get a little bit better?

My method would be, you've got a pink-ball two-day game, you go and grab it, go and take it, participate fully and give yourself the optimal preparation.

England will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. Exists the chance of an additional training session at the weekend.