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The English main batters have opted to miss a day-night tour match in the capital, even after a comprehensive defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

England suffered defeat within two days in the first Test, creating an extended gap ahead of the second pink-ball Test in Queensland.

This gap opened up the chance for squad members to participate in the England Lions 48-hour day-night match against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital this weekend.

However, only fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batter a young player – none of whom featured in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the Lions.

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

Ex- English Star Describes Move "Unusual"

When we heard England thought about sending squad members to the capital for the development squad game, we assumed it would be players requiring practice.

Ex- England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator continued:

England must take charge of how they prepare and their performances on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The real test will be with the results.

Lost Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

The fixture with the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams down under.

England participated in the game in previous Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans this time due to a potential short gap to Brisbane if the first match had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital requires just under four hours, with a further 120-minute journey from the capital and Brisbane.

However, considering the opening match was completed in just two days – marking the first two-day Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of sending some of the batters to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Performance Issues in First Test

• England were bowled out in both innings in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England survived such a low number of deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root failed to reach 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener was only the fourth England opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England played only one practice game before the first Test, meaning the fixture in the capital could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Coming Up

In addition, the development game would have offered practice using the pink ball, with England set to face a rare day-night Test.

The tourists have lost 5 of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia have won thirteen from 14.

With a key bowler, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side have the best day-night specialist in the world.

Among the probable line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match with a day-night ball, while a third has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Asked after the Perth match whether England would alter preparations and dispatch squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant they would not.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done a long time ago. We prepare incredibly well and train incredibly hard whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Head coach Brendon McCullum appeared to suggest flexibility when he said:

We need to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide soon.

McCullum continued that he was "confident" a batsman could play in the capital should they wish.

Criticism from Former Captain

Commenting recently, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

How could it hurt taking part in 48 hours of the game with the day-night ball under lights?

He added:

It's hard to believe 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 seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the optimal preparation.

England will travel to Queensland on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice before the start of the week. There is the possibility of an extra practice at the weekend.