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England's primary batsmen decided to miss a day-night practice game in the capital, even after a comprehensive loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists suffered defeat in under 48 hours in the first Test, creating an 11-day gap before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

This gap presented the option for players to join the development squad two-day pink-ball fixture versus a Prime Minister's XI in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only pace bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, along with batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the Lions.

It is understood that none of the first-Test XI requested to play in the capital match.

Former English Star Describes Move "Strange"

Upon learning England were considering sending players to Canberra for the England Lions game, we assumed it would be players in need of match time.

Ex- English fast bowler and chief cricket commentator continued:

England must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform during matches. It's their job to doing everything possible of winning the series. The proof of the pudding will be with the results.

Missed Chance for Day-Night Experience

This match with the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides down under.

The tourists have played in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule on this occasion due to a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane if the first match had lasted all five days.

Travel from Perth to Canberra requires almost 240 minutes, and a additional 120-minute journey between Canberra to Queensland.

Yet, given the first Test finished in just two days – marking the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of dispatching some of the batsmen to the capital seemed to be logical.

Performance Issues in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out twice in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England survived so few balls in losing a Test.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener became only the fourth English opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

England played only one warm-up match prior to the Perth match, meaning the fixture in the capital would have provided much-needed time in the middle.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

In addition, the Lions match provided practice with the day-night ball, with England set to face a unusual day-night Test.

England been defeated in 5 of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts triumphed in 13 from 14.

With Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in Perth, the home side have the top day-night specialist in the game.

Among the likely line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match using a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Leadership Position

Questioned after the first Test if England would alter their plans and send players to Canberra, the skipper was adamant they would not.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare incredibly well and work intensely whenever possible to improve our game.

Head coach Brendon McCullum appeared to suggest flexibility when he said:

We need to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide soon.

McCullum continued that he was "sure" a batsman would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking on Saturday, former captain a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to participate in Canberra.

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

He added:

I can't be so old school to suggest that by getting match practice they might get a little bit better?

My method would be, you've got a day-night two-day game, you go and grab it, make the most of it, participate fully and give yourself the optimal preparation.

England are scheduled to fly to Queensland on Wednesday and do not plan to train until Monday. There is the chance of an extra training session at the weekend.