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England's key batsmen chose to miss a day-night tour match in the capital, despite a heavy loss in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England lost within two days in the first Test, creating an extended gap before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the possibility for players to join the development squad two-day day-night fixture versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the Lions.

It is understood that not one of the Perth players requested to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Former English Player Calls Decision "Unusual"

When we heard the team thought about sending squad members to the capital for the England Lions match, we assumed it would be those requiring practice.

The former England fast bowler and lead analyst added:

England are responsible for how they prepare and how they perform during matches. It's their job to giving it their best shot of winning the Ashes. The proof of the pudding comes in the eating.

Missed Chance for Day-Night Practice

The fixture against the invitational side is a tradition for visiting teams to Australia.

The tourists have played in the game in previous series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule this time due to a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane if the Perth Test gone the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital takes almost four hours, with a further two-hour journey between Canberra and Brisbane.

Yet, considering the opening match was completed in just two days – the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the idea of dispatching some of the batters to the capital seemed to make sense.

Performance Struggles in First Test

• England were bowled out in both innings in Perth in under 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England survived so few balls in losing a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in both innings.
• The opener became only the fourth England opening batsman to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single warm-up match before the Perth match, so the fixture in Canberra could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Ahead

Furthermore, the development game provided practice using the day-night ball, as the team set to face a rare pink-ball Test.

England have lost 5 of their 7 previous day-nighters, whereas Australia triumphed in thirteen from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in Perth, the home side have the top day-night specialist in the game.

Of England's probable XI in Brisbane, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a red-ball game with a day-night ball, while a third has played only one.

Leadership Position

Asked following the Perth match whether England would alter preparations and dispatch squad members to Canberra, the skipper was adamant they would not.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and work intensely whenever possible to improve our game.

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

We've just got to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

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

Concerns from Former Captain

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

How could it hurt taking part in 48 hours of the game using the day-night ball under lights?

He added:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they might get slightly improved?

The approach I'd take is, there's a day-night two-day game, you go and grab it, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. Exists the chance of an additional practice on Sunday.