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The English main batsmen have opted to miss a pink-ball tour match in Canberra, even after a devastating defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

England were beaten within two days in the first Test, leaving an extended break ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up the chance for squad members to join the development squad 48-hour pink-ball match against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, just pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – all of whom featured in the first Test – will travel to join the Lions.

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

Ex- England Player Calls Move "Bizarre"

Upon learning England thought about dispatching squad members to the capital for the development squad match, we assumed it would be players requiring match time.

The former England paceman and lead analyst continued:

England are responsible for how they prepare and their performances during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the series. The proof of the pudding comes with the results.

Lost Chance for Day-Night Experience

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

England have played in the game in past Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans on this occasion because of a potential tight turnaround to the next Test if the first match gone the full duration.

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

Yet, considering the opening match was completed in just two days – the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of sending some of the batsmen to the capital appeared to be logical.

Performance Issues in First Test

• England were bowled out in both innings in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team survived so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• The opener was only the fourth England opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

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

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Ahead

In addition, the development game provided practice with the day-night ball, as the team due to play a rare day-night Test.

The tourists have lost five of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts have won 13 from 14.

With a key bowler, who took a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, Australia have the best day-night specialist in the world.

Of England's probable line-up in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match with a day-night ball, while a third has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Asked following the Perth match if England would alter preparations and dispatch players to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that's how it was done a long time ago. Our preparations incredibly well and work intensely every day we get the opportunity.

Coach Brendon McCullum appeared to leave the door open when he said:

We've just got to determine what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll work it out soon.

The coach added that he was "confident" a batter could play in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking on Saturday, former captain a well-known figure stated it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to play in Canberra.

What harm is it playing two days of the game using the pink ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan continued:

It's hard to believe so old school to propose that by getting match practice they could become a little bit better?

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

England will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to practice until Monday. There is the possibility of an additional training session at the weekend.