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The English main batsmen decided to skip a day-night practice game in the capital, despite a comprehensive defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists lost within 48 hours in Perth, creating an 11-day gap ahead of the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up the possibility for players to join the development squad 48-hour pink-ball fixture versus a invitational side in the capital this weekend.

However, only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batsman a young player – all of whom featured in the Perth match – are set to go to join the Lions.

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

Former English Star Calls Decision "Strange"

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

Ex- English paceman and lead analyst added:

England must take charge of 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 will be with the results.

Lost Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

This match with the invitational side is a tradition for visiting teams to Australia.

England participated in the fixture in previous series in Australia, but was left out in their schedule this time due to a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane had the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to Canberra takes almost four hours, and a further 120-minute journey from Canberra to Queensland.

However, considering the first Test finished so quickly – marking the first two-day Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of sending some of the batters to the capital seemed to be logical.

Performance Struggles in First Test

• The tourists dismissed in both innings in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team survived such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four England opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

The side played only one practice game before the Perth match, so the fixture in Canberra would have provided much-needed time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Test Coming Up

In addition, the Lions match provided experience with the day-night ball, as England due to play a unusual pink-ball Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their 7 prior pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia triumphed in 13 from fourteen.

With a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in Perth, Australia boast the top day-night specialist in the world.

Among the probable XI in Brisbane, gloveman Jamie Smith and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a red-ball game with a pink ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Asked after the first Test if England would alter preparations and send squad members to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm they would not.

This question has come up a lot, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare incredibly well and train intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Head coach the coach appeared to leave the door open when he said:

We've just got to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll work it out soon.

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

Concerns from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the opportunity to play in the capital.

What harm is it taking part in 48 hours of the game using the pink ball under lights?

He added:

I can't be so old school to propose that by getting match practice they could become slightly improved?

My method would be, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you go and grab it, go and take it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

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