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England's main batsmen chose to avoid a day-night practice game in the capital, even after a devastating defeat in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England were beaten within two days in the first Test, creating an extended gap before the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

The break presented the option for players to participate in the development squad 48-hour day-night match versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, just pace bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batter a young player – none of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel to join the Lions.

Sources suggest that not one of the Perth XI asked to participate in the Canberra match.

Former English Player Calls Decision "Bizarre"

When we heard England thought about sending squad members to the capital for the England Lions match, it was expected it would be players in need of practice.

The former English fast bowler and chief cricket commentator added:

England must take charge of how they prepare and their performances during matches. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the series. The proof of the pudding will be with the results.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Experience

The fixture with the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for touring sides down under.

The tourists participated in the game in past Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule this time because of a possible short gap to Brisbane had the first match had lasted the full duration.

The flight from Perth to the capital takes just under four hours, with a additional 120-minute flight from the capital and Brisbane.

However, considering the first Test was completed so quickly – the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of dispatching at least the batters to the capital appeared to be logical.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• England dismissed in both innings in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England faced such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became only the fourth English opening batsman to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one warm-up match before the first Test, meaning the fixture in the capital could have offered valuable batting practice.

Rare Day-Night Test Ahead

Furthermore, the development game would have offered practice with the pink ball, with England set to face a rare pink-ball Test.

England have lost five of their seven prior day-nighters, while Australia have won thirteen from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, the home side boast the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

Of England's likely XI in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and fast bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game using a day-night ball, and a third has played only one.

Leadership Position

Questioned after the first Test if England would change their plans and dispatch players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and work incredibly hard every day we get the opportunity.

Coach Brendon McCullum appeared to suggest flexibility when he stated:

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

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

Concerns from Former Captain

Speaking on Saturday, ex-skipper a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to participate in Canberra.

How could it hurt taking part in 48 hours of the game using the pink ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan added:

It's hard to believe so old school to propose that by playing cricket they might get 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 provide yourself the optimal preparation.

England will travel to Queensland midweek and do not plan to practice before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an additional practice at the weekend.