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The English key batsmen decided to avoid a pink-ball tour match in the capital, despite a devastating loss in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England lost in under 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an extended gap ahead of the upcoming day-night Test in Queensland.

This gap opened up the chance for players to join the development squad two-day pink-ball match versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, only pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batsman a young player – all of whom featured in the first Test – will travel and link up with the development squad.

Sources suggest that none of the first-Test players requested to participate in the capital fixture.

Former England Star Describes Decision "Bizarre"

When we heard the team were considering sending squad members to Canberra for the England Lions match, it was expected it would be those in need of match time.

The former England paceman and lead analyst continued:

England must take charge of their preparation and their performances during matches. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

The fixture with the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for touring sides to Australia.

England have played in the game in previous series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion because of a potential tight turnaround to Brisbane had the first match had lasted all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital requires almost 240 minutes, with a additional 120-minute flight between the capital and Brisbane.

Yet, considering the opening match was completed so quickly – marking the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the idea of dispatching at least the batsmen to the capital seemed to be logical.

Batting Issues in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out twice in Perth inside 68 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England survived such a low number of balls in losing a Test.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became only the fourth English opener to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one practice game before the first Test, meaning the fixture in Canberra could have offered much-needed time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Test Coming Up

Furthermore, the development game would have offered practice using the pink ball, as England set to face a rare pink-ball Test.

The tourists been defeated in 5 of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, while Australia triumphed in 13 from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, Australia boast the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the probable XI in Brisbane, gloveman Jamie Smith and fast bowler another have never played a first-class match using a pink ball, while a third has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Questioned following the first Test whether the team would change their plans and send players to Canberra, the skipper was adamant they would not.

I've been asked a lot, that was the method in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and work intensely whenever possible to improve our game.

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

We need to work out what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to a fixed plan currently, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

The coach added that he was "sure" a batsman would be allowed to participate in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Speaking on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to participate in the capital.

How could it hurt playing two days of the game with the pink ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan continued:

I can't be so old school to propose that by playing cricket they could become slightly improved?

My method is, you've got a pink-ball two-day game, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

The squad will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. Exists the possibility of an additional practice on Sunday.