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The English main batsmen chose to miss a day-night tour match in the capital, despite a comprehensive defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England lost within 48 hours in Perth, creating an extended break before the second day-night Test in Queensland.

This gap presented the possibility for squad members to join the development squad 48-hour day-night match versus a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only pace bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the Lions.

Reports indicate that not one of the Perth players requested to participate in the capital fixture.

Ex- England Star Describes Move "Bizarre"

When we heard England were considering sending players to the capital for the England Lions game, it was expected it would be players requiring practice.

The former England paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

England are responsible for their preparation and how they perform on the field. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the series. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

The fixture against the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides down under.

England participated in the game in previous Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans this time due to a potential tight turnaround to the next Test if the first match gone all five days.

Travel from Perth to Canberra requires almost four hours, with a further two-hour journey between the capital and Queensland.

Yet, given the opening match was completed in just two days – the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of sending some of the batters to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• England dismissed twice in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England faced so few balls in losing a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener became one of just four English opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one warm-up match before the first Test, meaning the fixture in Canberra would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

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

The tourists have lost five of their 7 prior pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts triumphed in 13 from 14.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who took a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, the home side boast the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the probable line-up in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and fast bowler another have never played a first-class match using a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Team Management Position

Asked after the Perth match if England would change preparations and send players to the capital, the skipper 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 train intensely every day we get the opportunity.

Coach the coach seemed 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 a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide soon.

McCullum added that he was "sure" a batsman would be allowed to participate in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking recently, former captain Michael Vaughan stated it would be "amateurish" to pass up the opportunity to play in the capital.

What harm is it taking part in two days of cricket with the day-night ball in evening conditions?

He added:

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 pink-ball two-day game, you go and grab it, make the most of it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane midweek and do not plan to train until Monday. There is the possibility of an extra training session at the weekend.