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The English primary batters decided to avoid a day-night practice game in the capital, even after a comprehensive loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists suffered defeat within 48 hours in Perth, creating an extended break ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up the option for squad members to participate in the development squad two-day pink-ball match versus a invitational side in the capital this weekend.

However, only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, plus batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the first Test – will travel to join the development squad.

Reports indicate that none of the first-Test XI requested to play in the capital fixture.

Former England Star Describes Move "Unusual"

Upon learning the team thought about dispatching players to Canberra for the development squad game, we assumed it would be those in need of practice.

The former English paceman and lead analyst added:

England are responsible for how they prepare and how they perform during matches. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The real test will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

The fixture with the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for touring sides down under.

The tourists participated in the game in past Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion because of a potential short gap to the next Test had the first match gone all five days.

The flight from Western Australia to the capital requires almost 240 minutes, and a additional two-hour flight from the capital and Queensland.

Yet, given the opening match was completed so quickly – the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the idea of sending at least the batsmen to the capital appeared to make sense.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• England were bowled out twice in the first Test inside 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England survived so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley became only the fourth England opener to register a pair in an Ashes match.

England had just a single practice game prior to the Perth match, so the game in the capital could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Ahead

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered practice using the pink ball, as England due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

The tourists have lost 5 of their 7 prior day-nighters, whereas Australia have won 13 from fourteen.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, Australia have the top pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the probable line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a red-ball game using a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Team Management Position

Asked following the first Test whether England would alter their plans and send squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant they would not.

I've been asked repeatedly, that's how it was done in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and train intensely every day to improve our game.

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

We've just got to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide soon.

The coach continued that he was "confident" a batter could play in Canberra if he wanted to.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Speaking on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to play in Canberra.

What harm is it taking part in two days of the game with the day-night ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan continued:

It's hard to believe so traditional 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, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

The squad will travel to Brisbane midweek and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. There is the possibility of an additional practice at the weekend.