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England's primary batters decided to miss a pink-ball tour match in the capital, despite a devastating defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists lost in under two days in the first Test, leaving an 11-day gap before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

This gap opened up the chance for squad members to participate in the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball fixture against a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batter a young player – all of whom featured in the first Test – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

Sources suggest that not one of the first-Test XI requested to participate in the capital match.

Ex- England Star Calls Move "Strange"

When we heard England thought about dispatching players to the capital for the development squad game, it was expected it would be those in need of match time.

Ex- England paceman and lead analyst added:

England are responsible for how they prepare and how they perform during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible of winning the series. The proof of the pudding will be with the results.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

This match with the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for touring sides down under.

The tourists participated in the game in past series in Australia, but was left out from their plans this time due to a possible short gap to the next Test had the first match had lasted the full duration.

The flight from Western Australia to Canberra requires just under four hours, and a additional two-hour journey between the capital to Queensland.

However, given the opening match was completed so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the idea of dispatching some of the batsmen to the capital appeared to be logical.

Performance Issues in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out twice in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England survived so few balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in either innings.
• The opener was only the fourth English opening batsman to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single warm-up match prior to the first Test, meaning the fixture in Canberra could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

Furthermore, the development game provided practice using the pink ball, with England set to face a rare day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts have won 13 from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took a ten-wicket haul in Perth, the home side boast the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's probable XI in Brisbane, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match using a day-night ball, and a third has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Questioned after the first Test whether England would alter their plans and dispatch squad members to Canberra, the skipper remained firm they would not.

I've been asked a lot, that was the method a long time ago. We prepare thoroughly and train intensely whenever possible to improve our game.

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

We need to work out what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll work it out soon.

McCullum continued that he was "sure" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking recently, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan said it would be "amateurish" to decline the opportunity to play in Canberra.

How could it hurt taking part in two days of cricket with the day-night ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan continued:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they could become slightly improved?

My method is, you've got a day-night two-day game, you seize the opportunity, 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 practice until Monday. There is the possibility of an extra training session at the weekend.