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England's primary batters decided to avoid a day-night practice game in the capital, even after a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England suffered defeat within 48 hours in Perth, creating an extended break before the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the chance for players to participate in the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball fixture versus a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, plus batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the Perth match – are set to go to join the Lions.

Reports indicate that not one of the Perth XI requested to participate in the capital match.

Ex- English Star Calls Move "Bizarre"

Upon learning England were considering dispatching squad members to the capital for the England Lions match, it was expected they would send players in need of match time.

The former England paceman and lead analyst added:

England are responsible for how they prepare and their performances during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the series. The real test will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

This match with the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides to Australia.

England have played in the fixture in past series in Australia, but was left out from their plans this time because of a possible tight turnaround to the next Test if the Perth Test gone the full duration.

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

Yet, considering the opening match was completed in just two days – the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of dispatching at least the batters to the capital appeared to make sense.

Batting Issues in Perth

• England dismissed twice in Perth inside 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England faced such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four England opening batsman to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one practice game prior to the Perth match, so the game in the capital would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Ahead

Furthermore, the development game provided experience with the pink ball, with England set to face a unusual day-night Test.

England been defeated in 5 of their seven prior day-nighters, while Australia have won 13 from fourteen.

With a key bowler, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, the home side boast the best day-night specialist in the world.

Of England's probable line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler another have never played a first-class match using a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Leadership Position

Asked following the Perth match if the team would change their plans and dispatch squad members to Canberra, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method in the past. We prepare thoroughly and work intensely whenever possible to improve our game.

Head coach Brendon McCullum seemed to leave the door open when he stated:

We've just got to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

The coach added that he was "sure" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking recently, ex-skipper a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to participate in Canberra.

How could it hurt playing two days of the game using the day-night ball under lights?

He continued:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by playing cricket they could become slightly improved?

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

England will travel to Queensland on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice before the start of the week. There is the possibility of an additional training session at the weekend.