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England's main batsmen chose to avoid a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, even after a devastating loss in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists lost in under two days in Perth, creating an extended gap before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the chance for players to participate in the England Lions 48-hour day-night match versus a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

However, only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batter a young player – none of whom played in the first Test – are set to go to join the Lions.

It is understood that not one of the first-Test XI requested to participate in the Canberra match.

Former English Player Calls Decision "Bizarre"

When we heard the team were considering dispatching players to the capital for the development squad game, we assumed it would be players requiring practice.

Ex- England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator continued:

England must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform on the field. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the series. The real test will be with the results.

Lost Chance for Day-Night Practice

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

The tourists have played in the game in previous series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion due to a potential tight turnaround to the next Test had the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

The flight from Perth to the capital requires just under 240 minutes, with a additional 120-minute flight from Canberra and Brisbane.

However, considering the opening match was completed so quickly – the first 48-hour Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of dispatching some of the batsmen to the capital seemed to make sense.

Batting Struggles in First Test

• England dismissed twice in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England faced such a low number of deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in both innings.
• The opener became one of just four England opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England played only one practice game prior to the Perth match, meaning the game in Canberra could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Ahead

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered experience with the day-night ball, as the team due to play a rare day-night Test.

England have lost five of their seven prior day-nighters, while the hosts triumphed in 13 from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, the home side boast the best day-night specialist in the world.

Among the probable line-up in Brisbane, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a red-ball game with a pink ball, and a third has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Questioned after the first Test whether the team would change their plans and dispatch players to Canberra, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method a long time ago. We prepare thoroughly and work incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

Coach Brendon McCullum seemed to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We need to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married 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 batsman could play in the capital if he wanted to.

Criticism from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, former captain a well-known figure said it would be "amateurish" to decline the opportunity to play in Canberra.

What harm is it playing two days of the game using the pink ball under lights?

He added:

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

My method would be, there's a pink-ball two-day game, you go and grab it, make the most of it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to practice until Monday. Exists the possibility of an additional training session on Sunday.