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The English key batsmen chose to skip a day-night tour match in Canberra, despite a devastating defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England lost in under 48 hours in the first Test, creating an extended gap ahead of the upcoming day-night Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up the option for squad members to join the development squad two-day pink-ball match against a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batsman a young player – all of whom played in the first Test – will travel and link up with the development squad.

Sources suggest that none of the Perth XI requested to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Ex- England Star Calls Decision "Strange"

Upon learning England thought about sending players to Canberra for the England Lions game, we assumed it would be those requiring match time.

The former English fast bowler and lead analyst continued:

The team are responsible for their preparation and their performances during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the series. The real test will be with the results.

Lost Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

The fixture against the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides to Australia.

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

The flight from Western Australia to Canberra requires just under four hours, with a further 120-minute journey from Canberra and Brisbane.

Yet, considering the first Test finished so quickly – marking the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of sending at least the batters to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Batting Issues in First Test

• The tourists dismissed twice in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England faced so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in either innings.
• The opener was only the fourth English opener to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

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

Rare Day-Night Challenge Ahead

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

The tourists been defeated in 5 of their seven previous day-nighters, while Australia have won thirteen from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, the home side have the top day-night specialist in the world.

Of England's probable XI in Brisbane, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game using a day-night ball, while a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Questioned after the Perth match whether the team would change preparations and send players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up a lot, that was the method in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and train intensely every day we get the opportunity.

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

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 in a couple of days.

The coach continued that he was "confident" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

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

What harm is it taking part in 48 hours of the game with 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, there's a pink-ball two-day game, 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 before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an extra training session on Sunday.