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England's key batters chose to skip a pink-ball tour match in the capital, even after a heavy defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists suffered defeat within two days in the first Test, creating an 11-day break before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the possibility for squad members to join the England Lions 48-hour day-night match against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the Perth match – will travel to join the development squad.

It is understood that not one of the first-Test players asked to participate in the capital match.

Ex- England Player Describes Decision "Bizarre"

When we heard the team were considering dispatching players to the capital for the England Lions match, we assumed it would be those requiring practice.

Ex- English paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

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

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Experience

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

The tourists have played in the fixture in past series in Australia, but it was not from their plans this time because of a possible tight turnaround to the next Test if the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital requires just under four hours, with a further two-hour flight between Canberra to Brisbane.

Yet, considering the first Test was completed in just two days – marking the first two-day Test in the series in over a century – the thought of dispatching at least the batters to Canberra appeared to make sense.

Batting Issues in First Test

• The tourists dismissed twice in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team faced such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four English opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes match.

The side played only one warm-up match before the first Test, meaning the fixture in the capital could have offered valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

In addition, the Lions match provided practice using the pink ball, as England set to face a rare day-night Test.

The tourists have lost five of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, while Australia triumphed in thirteen from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, Australia have the top day-night specialist in the world.

Of England's probable XI in Brisbane, gloveman one player and fast bowler another have never played a red-ball game with a pink ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Questioned after the first Test if the team would change their plans and send players to the capital, the skipper remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations incredibly well and train intensely whenever possible to improve our game.

Head coach Brendon McCullum seemed to suggest flexibility when he said:

We've just got to work out what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll decide soon.

The coach added that he was "sure" a batsman would be allowed to participate in the capital should they wish.

Concerns from Former Captain

Speaking on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to participate in the capital.

What harm is it playing two days of cricket with the pink ball in evening conditions?

He added:

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

My method would be, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

England will travel to Queensland midweek and do not plan to train until Monday. Exists the possibility of an extra practice on Sunday.