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The English main batters chose to avoid a pink-ball tour match in Canberra, even after a comprehensive loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England suffered defeat in under 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an extended gap ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break opened up the option for players to participate in the development squad 48-hour pink-ball match against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital this weekend.

Instead, just pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the first Test – will travel and link up with the Lions.

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

Former England Player Calls Move "Strange"

When we heard England thought about sending players to Canberra for the England Lions game, it was expected it would be those in need of practice.

The former England fast bowler and lead analyst added:

The team are responsible for their preparation and their performances on the field. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the series. The real test comes in the eating.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Experience

The fixture against the invitational side is a tradition for visiting teams to Australia.

England have played in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule this time because of a possible short gap to the next Test if the Perth Test gone all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital takes almost four hours, and a additional two-hour flight from the capital and Queensland.

However, given the opening match finished in just two days – the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of dispatching some of the batsmen to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• England dismissed twice in the first Test inside 68 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England faced so few deliveries in losing a Test.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach 10 runs in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was one of just four England opening batsman to record a pair in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single warm-up match before the first Test, meaning the fixture in Canberra would have provided much-needed time in the middle.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Test Ahead

In addition, the Lions match provided experience using the pink ball, with England due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

England have lost five of their 7 prior day-nighters, whereas Australia have won 13 from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in Perth, the home side have the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's likely XI in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and fast bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game using a pink ball, while a third has just a single appearance.

Team Management Position

Questioned after the Perth match whether the team would change preparations and dispatch squad members to the capital, the skipper was adamant they would not.

This question has come up repeatedly, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare incredibly well and work incredibly hard every day we get the opportunity.

Coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he stated:

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

McCullum added that he was "confident" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Former Captain

Speaking on Saturday, ex-skipper a well-known figure said it would be "amateurish" to pass up the opportunity to play in the capital.

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

He continued:

It's hard to believe so old school 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 go and grab it, go and take it, participate fully and give yourself the best chance.

England are scheduled to fly to Brisbane midweek and do not plan to train until Monday. There is the chance of an additional training session at the weekend.