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The English primary batsmen chose to miss a pink-ball tour match in Canberra, despite a heavy defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

England suffered defeat within two days in Perth, leaving an extended break before the second pink-ball Test in Queensland.

This gap opened up the option for squad members to join the development squad 48-hour day-night match against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital this weekend.

However, just pace bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the first Test – will travel to join the Lions.

It is understood that none of the first-Test players asked to participate in the Canberra match.

Ex- English Player Describes Move "Strange"

When we heard the team were considering sending players to the capital for the England Lions game, it was expected it would be players requiring match time.

Ex- English paceman and lead analyst continued:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and their performances during matches. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the series. The proof of the pudding comes with the results.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

This match against the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for touring sides to Australia.

England participated in the game in past series in Australia, but it was not from their plans on this occasion due to a possible short gap to the next Test had the Perth Test gone all five days.

The flight from Perth to the capital takes almost 240 minutes, with a further two-hour flight between the capital to Brisbane.

Yet, given the opening match was completed so quickly – the first 48-hour Test in the series in over a century – the thought of sending at least the batsmen to the capital appeared to be logical.

Batting Issues in First Test

• England dismissed twice in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team survived so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in both innings.
• The opener was one of just four England opener to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

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

Uncommon Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

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

England have lost 5 of their 7 previous day-nighters, while the hosts have won 13 from 14.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in Perth, the home side boast the top day-night specialist in the game.

Of England's likely line-up in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler another have never played a red-ball game with a day-night ball, while a third has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Asked after the Perth match if England would alter preparations and dispatch players to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes was adamant they would not.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done a long time ago. Our preparations thoroughly and work intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Head coach the coach appeared to leave the door open when he stated:

We've just got to work out what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

McCullum continued that he was "confident" a batter could play in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking recently, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "amateurish" to decline the chance to participate in the capital.

What harm is it taking part in two days of cricket using the pink ball under lights?

Vaughan added:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by playing cricket they might get slightly improved?

The approach I'd take would be, there's a day-night two-day game, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and give yourself the best chance.

The squad will travel to Queensland midweek and do not plan to practice before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an extra training session at the weekend.