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The English key batters have opted to skip a day-night tour match in the capital, despite a heavy loss in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England lost within two days in the first Test, creating an extended break ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the possibility for squad members to join the development squad 48-hour day-night match against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only pace bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, plus batsman a young player – none of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go to join the development squad.

It is understood that none of the first-Test players asked to participate in the capital match.

Ex- English Player Describes Decision "Unusual"

Upon learning the team were considering dispatching players to Canberra for the development squad match, it was expected it would be players in need of match time.

The former England paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

England are responsible for how they prepare and their performances on the field. It's their job to giving it their best shot to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding will be with the results.

Lost Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

This match with the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides to Australia.

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

Travel from Perth to the capital requires just under 240 minutes, and a further 120-minute flight between the capital to Brisbane.

However, given the first Test finished so quickly – the first two-day Test in the series since 1921 – the idea of sending some of the batters to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Performance Issues in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team survived such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener became one of just four English opener to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England played only one warm-up match before the Perth match, so the game in the capital would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

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

The tourists have lost 5 of their seven previous pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts triumphed in 13 from fourteen.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, Australia have the top pink-ball bowler in the game.

Of England's likely line-up in the next Test, gloveman one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a red-ball game using a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Asked after the first Test whether England would alter their plans and dispatch squad members to Canberra, the skipper was adamant they would not.

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

Coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he said:

We've just got to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll decide soon.

McCullum added that he was "sure" a batsman would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Commenting on Saturday, former captain a well-known figure stated it would be "amateurish" to pass up the chance to participate in the capital.

What harm is it playing two days of the game with the pink ball under lights?

He continued:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they could become a little bit better?

My method would be, you've got a pink-ball two-day game, you go and grab it, go and take it, play those two days and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice before the start of the week. There is the possibility of an extra practice on Sunday.