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The English key batsmen decided to miss a pink-ball tour match in Canberra, even after a comprehensive defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

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

The break opened up the possibility for players to join the England Lions 48-hour day-night match versus a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batter a young player – none of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go to join the Lions.

It is understood that none of the Perth players requested to play in the Canberra fixture.

Former England Player Calls Decision "Bizarre"

Upon learning England were considering dispatching squad members to Canberra for the England Lions game, it was expected they would send those requiring practice.

The former England fast bowler and lead analyst added:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform during matches. It's their job to giving it their best shot of winning the Ashes. The real test will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Experience

This match against the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams down under.

England have played in the game in previous Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule this time due to a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane if the Perth Test had lasted all five days.

The flight from Perth to the capital requires almost four hours, and a further two-hour journey between Canberra to Brisbane.

However, given the opening match finished in just two days – the first two-day Test in the series since 1921 – the idea of dispatching some of the batsmen to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Performance Issues in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out twice in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team survived such a low number of balls in losing a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in both innings.
• The opener was only the fourth England opener to register a pair in an Ashes match.

The side played only one practice game before the first Test, so the game in the capital could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Ahead

In addition, the Lions match provided practice with the pink ball, as England due to play a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists have lost 5 of their seven previous day-nighters, while the hosts triumphed in 13 from fourteen.

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

Among the likely XI in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match with a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Position

Questioned after the Perth match whether England would change their plans and send players to Canberra, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up a lot, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations thoroughly and train intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Coach Brendon McCullum seemed to suggest flexibility when he said:

We need to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

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

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Speaking recently, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the opportunity to play in the capital.

What harm is it playing 48 hours of cricket using the day-night ball in evening conditions?

He continued:

I can't be so traditional to propose that by getting match practice they could become slightly improved?

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

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. There is the chance of an additional training session at the weekend.