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The English primary batsmen decided to avoid a pink-ball tour match in the capital, even after a comprehensive defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

England lost in under 48 hours in Perth, leaving an extended gap ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break opened up the possibility for players to join the development squad 48-hour pink-ball match against a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, only pace bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batsman a young player – none of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel to join the development squad.

It is understood that not one of the first-Test XI asked to play in the capital fixture.

Former England Player Calls Move "Strange"

Upon learning the team were considering sending players to Canberra for the England Lions game, it was expected they would send those requiring practice.

The former English paceman and lead analyst added:

The team are responsible for how they prepare and their performances during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The real test will be in the eating.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

This match against the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for touring sides to Australia.

The tourists participated in the game in past Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans this time because of a potential short gap to the next Test had the Perth Test gone the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to Canberra takes almost 240 minutes, with a additional two-hour flight from the capital to Queensland.

However, considering the opening match was completed so quickly – marking the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the idea of sending some of the batters to the capital seemed to make sense.

Batting Struggles in First Test

• The tourists dismissed twice in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England survived such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test match.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener became one of just four England opener to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

England had just a single warm-up match prior to the first Test, meaning the game in Canberra would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

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

England been defeated in five of their seven previous pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts triumphed in thirteen from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia have the top day-night specialist in the world.

Of England's probable line-up in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler another have never played a red-ball game with a pink ball, while a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Asked following the Perth match if the team would alter their plans and dispatch players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that was the method a long time ago. We prepare incredibly well and work intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

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

We've just got to work out what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll decide soon.

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

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking on Saturday, former captain a well-known figure stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to play in the capital.

What harm is it taking part in two days of cricket using the day-night ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan continued:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by playing cricket they might get a little bit better?

The approach I'd take is, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

England are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an additional training session at the weekend.