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England's main batters decided to miss a day-night practice game in the capital, even after a heavy defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

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

This gap presented the chance for squad members to participate in the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, just fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batsman a young player – none of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go to join the Lions.

Sources suggest that not one of the first-Test XI asked to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Ex- England Star Describes Move "Strange"

When we heard the team were considering dispatching players to Canberra for the England Lions game, it was expected it would be those in need of practice.

The former England paceman and lead analyst added:

England are responsible for how they prepare and how they perform during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the series. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

This match with the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides to Australia.

The tourists have played in the game in previous Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans on this occasion because of a potential short gap to Brisbane if the Perth Test gone all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to Canberra requires just under 240 minutes, with a additional two-hour flight between Canberra to Brisbane.

However, considering the opening match finished in just two days – marking the first 48-hour Ashes Test since 1921 – the idea 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.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England survived such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth English opener to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

England played only one practice game before the first Test, meaning the fixture in the capital would have provided valuable time in the middle.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Ahead

Furthermore, the Lions match provided practice using the pink ball, with England due to play a unusual day-night Test.

England been defeated in 5 of their 7 previous day-nighters, whereas the hosts triumphed in 13 from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who took a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, the home side have the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

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

Team Management Position

Questioned following the Perth match whether England would alter preparations and dispatch squad members to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up a lot, that's how it was done a long time ago. We prepare thoroughly and work incredibly hard every day we get the opportunity.

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

We need to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to any position at the moment, but we'll decide soon.

McCullum added that he was "confident" a batter could play in the capital should they wish.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Commenting recently, ex-skipper a well-known figure said it would be "amateurish" to decline the opportunity to play in the capital.

How could it hurt playing 48 hours of cricket with the day-night ball under lights?

Vaughan continued:

I can't be so old school to suggest that by getting match practice they might get slightly improved?

My method would be, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you go and grab it, make the most of it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

England are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to train before the start of the week. There is the chance of an additional training session on Sunday.