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England's key batters decided to miss a day-night tour match in Canberra, even after a comprehensive loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

England suffered defeat in under two days in Perth, creating an 11-day gap before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the chance for players to join the development squad two-day day-night match against a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just fast bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, along with batsman a young player – all of whom played in the first Test – are set to go to join the Lions.

It is understood that not one of the Perth players asked to participate in the capital fixture.

Former English Player Calls Decision "Unusual"

Upon learning England thought about sending players to the capital for the development squad game, we assumed they would send those in need of match time.

The former England paceman and lead analyst continued:

England must take charge of how they prepare and their performances during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible of winning the Ashes. The real test will be in the eating.

Lost Chance 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 game in previous Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule on this occasion due to a potential tight turnaround to the next Test if the first match gone the full duration.

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

Yet, given the opening match was completed in just two days – the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of dispatching at least the batsmen to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Batting Struggles in First Test

• England dismissed twice in Perth in under 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team survived such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Both the skipper and ex-skipper failed to reach 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener became one of just four England opening batsman to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side had just a single warm-up match prior to the first Test, so the fixture in Canberra could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Ahead

Furthermore, the development game provided practice using the day-night ball, as England set to face a rare pink-ball Test.

England have lost 5 of their seven previous day-nighters, whereas the hosts triumphed in 13 from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who took a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia have the top pink-ball bowler in the game.

Of England's likely XI in the next Test, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game with a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Asked following the Perth match whether England would alter preparations and dispatch squad members to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method a long time ago. We prepare thoroughly and work incredibly hard whenever possible to improve our game.

Coach the coach appeared to suggest flexibility when he said:

We've just got to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

McCullum continued that he was "confident" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to play in the capital.

What harm is it taking part in 48 hours of the game using the day-night ball under lights?

Vaughan continued:

I can't be so old school to suggest that by playing cricket they could become a little bit better?

My method is, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you go and grab it, go and take it, participate fully and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane midweek and are not scheduled to train until Monday. Exists the chance of an additional practice on Sunday.