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The English key batters decided to skip a day-night tour match in Canberra, despite a heavy loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists were beaten in under two days in Perth, creating an extended gap ahead of the second day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the possibility for players to participate in the development squad 48-hour pink-ball fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, only fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom featured in the first Test – will travel and link up with the development squad.

It is understood that none of the Perth players requested to play in the capital fixture.

Ex- English Player Calls Decision "Strange"

When we heard the team were considering dispatching players to Canberra for the development squad game, it was expected they would send those in need of match time.

The former England paceman and lead analyst continued:

The team are responsible for how they prepare and how they perform on the field. It's their job to giving it their best shot to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding comes with the results.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

The fixture with the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for visiting teams down under.

The tourists have played in the game in past Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule on this occasion due to a potential short gap to the next Test had the first match had lasted all five days.

The flight from Western Australia to the capital takes just under four hours, with a additional two-hour flight between Canberra and Brisbane.

Yet, given the opening match was completed in just two days – the first two-day Test in the series in over a century – the thought of sending some of the batsmen to Canberra appeared to make sense.

Performance Struggles in First Test

• England dismissed in both innings in Perth in under 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England faced so few balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four England opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

The side had just a single warm-up match prior to the first Test, meaning the fixture in the capital would have provided valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Ahead

In addition, the Lions match provided practice using the day-night ball, as the team set to face a unusual pink-ball Test.

The tourists have lost five of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts have won 13 from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side boast the best day-night specialist in the game.

Among the probable line-up in Brisbane, gloveman one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a red-ball game using a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Position

Asked after the first Test whether the team would change preparations and dispatch players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that's how it was done a long time ago. We prepare thoroughly and work incredibly hard every day we get the opportunity.

Head coach Brendon McCullum seemed to suggest flexibility when he said:

We've just got to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll decide soon.

The coach added that he was "sure" a batsman would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting recently, former captain a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to participate in the capital.

What harm is it playing two days of the game with the day-night ball under lights?

Vaughan added:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they might get a little bit better?

My method is, there's a day-night 48-hour match, you go and grab it, go and take it, play those two days and give yourself the optimal preparation.

England are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to train before the start of the week. There is the chance of an additional practice at the weekend.