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The English main batsmen have opted to avoid a day-night tour match in the capital, despite a comprehensive loss in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists suffered defeat within 48 hours in the first Test, creating an extended gap ahead of the second day-night Test in Brisbane.

The break presented the possibility for squad members to join the development squad two-day pink-ball match versus a invitational side in the capital this weekend.

However, just pace bowlers one bowler and another bowler, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – all of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the Lions.

It is understood that none of the first-Test XI asked to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Ex- England Star Describes Decision "Strange"

When we heard England were considering dispatching squad members to the capital for the England Lions game, we assumed it would be those in need of match time.

The former England fast bowler and lead analyst added:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

The fixture with the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams to Australia.

The tourists participated in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion because of a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane had the first match gone all five days.

Travel from Perth to Canberra takes almost four hours, and a further two-hour flight between the capital and Queensland.

However, considering the opening match finished in just two days – marking the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of sending at least the batters to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Performance Issues in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England survived so few balls in losing a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was one of just four English opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one warm-up match before the first Test, meaning the game in the capital would have provided much-needed time in the middle.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Test Ahead

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

England have lost five of their seven previous day-nighters, whereas Australia triumphed in thirteen from fourteen.

With a key bowler, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, Australia have the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's likely line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match using a day-night ball, while a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Questioned after the Perth match if the team would change their plans and dispatch players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up a lot, that's how it was done in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and work intensely every day we get the opportunity.

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

We've just got to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

The coach continued that he was "sure" a batsman would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Speaking on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "amateurish" to decline the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

How could it hurt playing two days of the game with the pink ball under lights?

Vaughan 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, there's a day-night two-day game, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

England will travel to Brisbane midweek and are not scheduled to train until Monday. There is the chance of an additional practice at the weekend.