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The English main batters chose to avoid a day-night practice game in the capital, despite a comprehensive loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

England lost in under 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an extended break ahead of the second pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break opened up the option for players to participate in the development squad 48-hour day-night fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, only pace bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batter a young player – all of whom played in the first Test – will travel to join the development squad.

It is understood that none of the Perth players requested to participate in the Canberra match.

Ex- England Player Describes Decision "Bizarre"

Upon learning the team thought about dispatching players to the capital for the development squad game, we assumed it would be players in need of match time.

Ex- English paceman and lead analyst continued:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and their performances during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The real test comes in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

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

England participated in the fixture in previous series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule this time due to a possible short gap to Brisbane if the first match had lasted all five days.

The flight from Perth to Canberra requires almost 240 minutes, and a further 120-minute journey from Canberra to Queensland.

Yet, considering the opening match was completed in just two days – the first two-day Test in the series since 1921 – the idea of sending some of the batters to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Batting Issues in Perth

• England were bowled out in both innings in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s has the team faced so few balls in losing a Test match.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four English opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

The side played only one practice game before the Perth match, meaning the fixture in the capital would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered experience using the day-night ball, with the team set to face a unusual day-night Test.

England have lost five of their seven previous day-nighters, whereas Australia have won 13 from 14.

With a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side have the best day-night specialist in the world.

Of England's probable XI in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match with a day-night ball, while a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Questioned after the first Test if the team would alter preparations and send squad members to the capital, the skipper remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that's how it was done a long time ago. We prepare thoroughly and train incredibly hard whenever possible to improve our game.

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

We need to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll work it out soon.

McCullum continued that he was "sure" a batter could play in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting recently, former captain a well-known figure stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the opportunity to play in the capital.

What harm is it taking part in 48 hours of cricket with the pink ball under lights?

He added:

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

My method would be, there's a day-night two-day game, you go and grab it, make the most of it, play those two days and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to train until Monday. There is the chance of an extra training session on Sunday.