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The English key batters decided to skip a pink-ball tour match in Canberra, despite a comprehensive defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists were beaten in under 48 hours in Perth, creating an 11-day break ahead of the second pink-ball Test in Queensland.

This gap opened up the possibility for players to participate in the development squad 48-hour pink-ball match versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batsman a young player – none of whom played in the first Test – will travel to join the development squad.

Sources suggest that none of the Perth players requested to participate in the capital match.

Ex- England Star Calls Decision "Strange"

Upon learning the team thought about sending squad members to the capital for the England Lions game, it was expected they would send players requiring practice.

Ex- England fast bowler and lead analyst continued:

The team are responsible for their preparation and their performances during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible of winning the Ashes. The real test will be in the eating.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

This match with the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides down under.

The tourists participated in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans on this occasion due to a possible short gap to the next Test had the Perth Test had lasted all five days.

The flight from Western Australia to the capital takes just under 240 minutes, with a additional two-hour journey from the capital to Brisbane.

Yet, considering the first Test finished so quickly – the first 48-hour Ashes Test since 1921 – the idea of dispatching some of the batsmen to Canberra seemed to make sense.

Batting Issues in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England faced so few balls in losing a Test.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley became only the fourth English opener to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single practice game prior to the first Test, meaning the game in Canberra would have provided valuable time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Test Ahead

In addition, the Lions match provided practice using the day-night ball, with the team set to face a rare day-night Test.

England been defeated in 5 of their 7 prior day-nighters, whereas the hosts have won thirteen from 14.

With Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, Australia boast the top pink-ball bowler in the game.

Of England's probable line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a red-ball game using a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Position

Questioned after the first Test if England would alter preparations and send squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

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

Coach Brendon McCullum appeared to leave the door open when he said:

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

The coach added that he was "sure" a batsman could play in the capital if he wanted to.

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking recently, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the chance to participate in Canberra.

What harm is it taking part in 48 hours of the game with the pink ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan continued:

I can't be so traditional to propose that by getting match practice they might get slightly improved?

The approach I'd take is, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

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