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The English primary batters decided to avoid a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, even after a heavy defeat in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England were beaten within 48 hours in the first Test, creating an extended gap ahead of the upcoming day-night Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up the possibility for squad members to participate in the development squad 48-hour day-night fixture versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, only fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, plus batter a young player – none of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

Reports indicate that none of the Perth players requested to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Former England Player Describes Move "Bizarre"

When we heard the team thought about sending players to the capital for the England Lions game, we assumed it would be those in need of match time.

The former England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator continued:

The team are responsible for their preparation and how they perform on the field. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding comes with the results.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Experience

The fixture with the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for touring sides to Australia.

England have played in the game in past series in Australia, 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.

Travel from Perth to Canberra requires almost four hours, and a additional 120-minute journey between Canberra to Brisbane.

Yet, given the first Test finished so quickly – marking the first two-day Test in the series in over a century – the idea of dispatching at least the batters to Canberra appeared to make sense.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out twice in Perth inside 68 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England survived so few balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper failed to reach 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was one of just four English opening batsman to record a pair in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single practice game before the Perth match, so the game in the capital would have provided valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Ahead

Furthermore, the development game would have offered experience using the day-night ball, with England set to face a rare day-night Test.

England have lost five of their seven previous day-nighters, whereas the hosts have won 13 from fourteen.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, Australia boast the top pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the likely XI in the next Test, gloveman one player and fast bowler another have never played a red-ball game using a pink ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Questioned after the Perth match whether England would alter preparations and send squad members to the capital, the skipper remained firm in refusing.

This question has come up a lot, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare thoroughly and train intensely every day to improve our game.

Coach Brendon McCullum appeared to suggest flexibility when he said:

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

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

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Speaking recently, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to play in the capital.

How could it hurt taking part in two days of cricket using the day-night ball under lights?

He continued:

I can't be so old school to propose that by playing cricket they could become slightly improved?

My method is, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you go and grab it, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

The squad will travel to Brisbane midweek and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. There is the chance of an extra training session on Sunday.