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England's key batsmen chose to skip a pink-ball tour match in the capital, despite a devastating defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists suffered defeat within two days in Perth, leaving an extended gap ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

This gap presented the chance for squad members to participate in the development squad two-day day-night match versus a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, plus batsman a young player – all of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the Lions.

Sources suggest that not one of the first-Test players asked to play in the capital fixture.

Former English Player Describes Move "Bizarre"

When we heard the team were considering sending squad members to Canberra for the England Lions game, we assumed it would be players in need of match time.

Ex- English paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

The team are responsible for their preparation and how they perform during matches. It's their job to giving it their best shot to win the series. The proof of the pudding comes in the eating.

Missed Chance for Day-Night Practice

The fixture against the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for visiting teams down under.

England have played in the game in past series in Australia, but was left out in their schedule this time because of a possible tight turnaround to the next Test if the first match gone the full duration.

Travel from Perth to the capital requires almost four hours, and a further 120-minute journey between the capital to Queensland.

However, considering the first Test was completed in just two days – the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of sending some of the batsmen to the capital seemed to make sense.

Performance Issues in Perth

• The tourists dismissed twice in Perth in under 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England faced such a low number of deliveries in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth English opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

England played only one practice game before the first Test, meaning the game in the capital would have provided valuable time in the middle.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

In addition, the development game would have offered experience using the day-night ball, with the team set to face a rare pink-ball Test.

England been defeated in five of their 7 prior day-nighters, while the hosts have won 13 from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia have the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the probable line-up in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match using a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Position

Questioned following the first Test whether the team would change their plans and send players to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare incredibly well and work intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Coach the coach appeared to suggest flexibility when he said:

We've just got to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll decide soon.

McCullum continued that he was "confident" a batter could play in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Speaking on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "amateurish" to decline the opportunity to play in Canberra.

How could it hurt playing 48 hours of the game with the pink ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan added:

It's hard to believe so old school to propose that by getting match practice they might get a little bit better?

My method would be, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you go and grab it, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to train until Monday. Exists the chance of an extra practice at the weekend.