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The English main batters have opted to miss a pink-ball tour match in the capital, even after a comprehensive defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists lost in under two days in the first Test, leaving an 11-day gap ahead of the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up the possibility for players to join the development squad two-day day-night fixture versus a Prime Minister's XI in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, just fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – all 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.

Ex- England Star Calls Decision "Bizarre"

When we heard England were considering dispatching squad members to the capital for the development squad game, we assumed it would be players requiring match time.

Ex- England paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

The team are responsible for how they prepare and how they perform on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the series. The real test comes with the results.

Lost Chance for Pink-Ball Experience

This match with the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides down under.

England have played in the fixture in past series in Australia, but was left out in their schedule on this occasion due to a potential tight turnaround to the next Test had the Perth Test gone the full duration.

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

However, given the opening match finished so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the idea of dispatching some of the batters to the capital appeared to be logical.

Batting Issues in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out twice in the first Test in under 68 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s have England survived so few balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in either innings.
• The opener became only the fourth England opener to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single practice game before the Perth match, meaning the game in Canberra could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Test Ahead

Furthermore, the Lions match provided practice using the pink ball, with England due to play a rare day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in 5 of their seven prior day-nighters, while Australia triumphed in thirteen from fourteen.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in Perth, Australia boast the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's likely XI in Brisbane, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a red-ball game with a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Asked following the Perth match if England would change their plans and dispatch players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare thoroughly and work intensely every day to improve our game.

Coach the coach appeared to suggest flexibility when he said:

We need to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to a fixed plan 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 the capital should they wish.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "amateurish" to decline the opportunity to play in Canberra.

How could it hurt playing 48 hours of cricket with the pink ball under lights?

Vaughan added:

It's hard to believe so old school to suggest that by getting match practice they could become slightly improved?

The approach I'd take would be, there's a pink-ball two-day game, you go and grab it, make the most of it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

England will travel to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. There is the possibility of an additional training session at the weekend.