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The English key batsmen have opted to skip a day-night practice game in the capital, despite a devastating defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

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

This gap opened up the chance for players to join the development squad 48-hour pink-ball fixture versus a invitational side in the capital this weekend.

Instead, just pace bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batter a young player – all of whom played in the first Test – are set to go to join the Lions.

Reports indicate that not one of the Perth players requested to participate in the Canberra match.

Ex- England Player Calls Decision "Strange"

When we heard England thought about dispatching players to Canberra for the England Lions match, it was expected they would send those requiring match time.

Ex- England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator added:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and their performances on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding will be with the results.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

The fixture against the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for touring sides to Australia.

England participated in the game in previous series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule this time because of a possible short gap to Brisbane had the Perth Test had lasted all five days.

The flight from Western Australia to the capital takes just under four hours, and a further 120-minute journey between the capital to Queensland.

Yet, given the opening match was completed in just two days – marking the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of sending at least the batters to the capital appeared to make sense.

Batting Issues in First Test

• England dismissed twice in Perth in under 68 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England survived such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• The opener became one of just four England opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

England played only one warm-up match before the first Test, meaning the fixture in the capital would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Rare Day-Night Test Ahead

Furthermore, the development game would have offered experience using the pink ball, with the team due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

The tourists have lost 5 of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, while the hosts have won thirteen from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in Perth, Australia boast the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's likely XI in the next Test, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and fast 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 Stance

Questioned after the Perth match if the team would change preparations and send squad members to Canberra, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations thoroughly and work intensely every day to improve our game.

Coach the coach seemed to leave the door open when he said:

We need to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll decide soon.

McCullum added that he was "confident" a batsman could play in Canberra if he wanted to.

Criticism from Former Captain

Commenting recently, former captain a well-known figure said it would be "amateurish" to decline the chance to participate in Canberra.

What harm is it taking part in two days of the game using the pink ball under lights?

Vaughan added:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by playing cricket they might get a little bit better?

My method would be, you've got a day-night two-day game, you go and grab it, make the most of it, participate fully and give yourself the optimal preparation.

England are scheduled to fly to Brisbane midweek and are not scheduled to train before the start of the week. There is the chance of an extra practice at the weekend.