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The English primary batters chose to miss a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, even after a comprehensive defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England were beaten within 48 hours in Perth, creating an extended gap before the second day-night Test in Queensland.

The break opened up the possibility for squad members to participate in the England Lions 48-hour day-night match versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra this weekend.

However, just fast bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, along with batsman a young player – all of whom featured in the first Test – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

Sources suggest that none of the Perth players requested to play in the Canberra fixture.

Former England Star Describes Decision "Bizarre"

When we heard the team thought about sending squad members to the capital for the development squad game, we assumed they would send those requiring practice.

Ex- English fast bowler and lead analyst added:

The team are responsible for their preparation and how they perform during matches. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the series. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

This match with the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for touring sides to Australia.

The tourists have played in the fixture in past 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.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital takes almost four hours, with a additional 120-minute journey from the capital to Brisbane.

Yet, considering the opening match was completed so quickly – the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of sending some of the batters to the capital appeared to make sense.

Performance Struggles in First Test

• England were bowled out twice in the first Test in under 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England survived such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• The opener was one of just four England opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

England played only one practice game prior to the Perth match, so the fixture in Canberra could have offered valuable batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Challenge Ahead

In addition, the development game would have offered practice with the pink ball, with the team due to play a unusual day-night Test.

England been defeated in five of their 7 prior pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts have won 13 from fourteen.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, Australia have the top day-night specialist in the game.

Among the probable XI in Brisbane, gloveman one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a red-ball game with a pink ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Position

Questioned following the first Test if England would alter preparations and dispatch squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations thoroughly and train intensely whenever possible to improve our game.

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

We need to determine what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to any position at the moment, but we'll decide soon.

The coach continued that he was "confident" a batter could play in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Former Captain

Speaking recently, former captain Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to decline the chance to participate in the capital.

How could it hurt playing two days of cricket using the day-night ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan continued:

It's hard to believe so old school to suggest that by getting match practice they could become slightly improved?

The approach I'd take would be, you've got a pink-ball two-day game, you go and grab it, make the most of it, participate fully and give yourself the best chance.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to train before the start of the week. There is the chance of an additional training session on Sunday.