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The English main batsmen decided to miss a pink-ball tour match in the capital, despite a heavy loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists suffered defeat within two days in Perth, creating an extended break before the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the possibility for players to join the development squad two-day pink-ball fixture against a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, only fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

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

Former England Star Describes Move "Strange"

When we heard the team were considering sending players to the capital for the development squad game, we assumed it would be players in need of practice.

The former English fast bowler and chief cricket commentator continued:

The team are responsible for how they prepare and their performances on the field. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the Ashes. The proof of the pudding comes in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

This match against the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams down under.

The tourists participated in the game in previous Ashes tours, but it was not from their plans on this occasion due to a potential tight turnaround to the next Test if the Perth Test gone all five days.

The flight from Perth to Canberra requires just under four hours, and a further 120-minute journey between Canberra to Queensland.

However, considering the first Test was completed so quickly – the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of sending at least the batsmen to the capital seemed to be logical.

Batting Issues in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England survived so few balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in either innings.
• The opener became one of just four England opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single practice game before the Perth match, meaning the fixture in the capital would have provided valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered practice with the pink ball, with the team due to play a unusual day-night Test.

England have lost 5 of their seven prior day-nighters, whereas the hosts triumphed in thirteen from fourteen.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in Perth, the home side boast the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the probable line-up in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game with a day-night ball, while a third has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Questioned after the Perth match whether the team would alter their plans and dispatch squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that's how it was done a long time ago. We prepare incredibly well and work incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

Coach the coach appeared to leave the door open when he stated:

We've just got to determine what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to any position at the moment, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

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

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking recently, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the opportunity to play in the capital.

What harm is it playing 48 hours of cricket using the pink ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan added:

I can't be so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they might get slightly improved?

My method would be, you've got a pink-ball 48-hour match, you go and grab it, make the most of it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

England are scheduled to fly to Queensland on Wednesday and do not plan to train until Monday. Exists the possibility of an extra training session on Sunday.