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The English primary batsmen have opted to miss a pink-ball tour match in the capital, even after a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

England lost in under two days in Perth, leaving an extended gap ahead of the second day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the chance for squad members to join the development squad 48-hour pink-ball fixture versus a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – all of whom featured in the first Test – will travel to join the development squad.

Sources suggest that not one of the first-Test players asked to participate in the capital fixture.

Former English Star Calls Decision "Strange"

Upon learning the team thought about sending players to the capital for the England Lions game, we assumed they would send players requiring match time.

Ex- England paceman and lead analyst added:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and their performances during matches. It's their job to doing everything possible of winning the Ashes. The proof of the pudding comes in the eating.

Lost Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

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

The tourists participated in the fixture in previous series in Australia, but was left out from their plans this time because of a possible short gap to Brisbane had the first match gone all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to Canberra requires almost four hours, with a further 120-minute flight between Canberra to Queensland.

Yet, given the opening match was completed in just two days – marking the first 48-hour Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of sending some of the batters to Canberra appeared to make sense.

Performance Issues in Perth

• England dismissed in both innings in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team faced 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 both innings.
• The opener was one of just four England opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

England played only one warm-up match before the first Test, so the game in the capital could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Test Coming Up

In addition, the Lions match would have offered experience with the day-night ball, with the team due to play a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their 7 prior pink-ball Tests, while the hosts triumphed in 13 from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, the home side have the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the probable XI in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler another have never played a red-ball game with a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Team Management Position

Asked after the first Test whether the team would alter preparations and send squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations thoroughly and train incredibly hard whenever possible we get the opportunity.

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

We need to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to any position at the moment, but we'll work it out soon.

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

Concerns from Former Captain

Speaking recently, ex-skipper a well-known figure said it would be "amateurish" to decline the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

What harm is it playing 48 hours of cricket using the pink ball under lights?

He added:

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

My method is, you've got a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

England are scheduled to fly to Brisbane midweek and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. There is the possibility of an additional practice at the weekend.