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The English main batters have opted to avoid a day-night tour match in Canberra, even after a heavy loss in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists were beaten within 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an extended gap before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

The break presented the option for players to join the England Lions two-day day-night fixture against a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, only pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batsman a young player – none of whom played in the first Test – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

It is understood that not one of the Perth XI requested to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Former English Star Describes Move "Bizarre"

When we heard England were considering sending squad members to Canberra for the development squad match, it was expected they would send those in need of match time.

Ex- English fast bowler and lead analyst continued:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and their performances during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the series. The real test will be with the results.

Missed Chance for Day-Night Practice

This match with the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides down under.

The tourists have played in the fixture in previous series in Australia, but was left out from their plans on this occasion due to a potential short gap to the next Test had the first match had lasted the full duration.

The flight from Perth to the capital takes almost four hours, with a additional 120-minute flight between the capital to Brisbane.

Yet, given the first Test finished in just two days – the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of sending some of the batters to the capital appeared to make sense.

Performance Issues in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out twice in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England survived so few balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root failed to reach 10 runs in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth English opener to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side had just a single practice game prior to the first Test, so the game in the capital would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered experience using the day-night ball, with the team due to play a rare day-night Test.

The tourists have lost five of their 7 previous day-nighters, whereas the hosts triumphed in thirteen from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, Australia boast the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the likely line-up in Brisbane, gloveman Jamie Smith and fast bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game using a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Asked following the Perth match if England would alter their plans and send players to Canberra, the skipper remained firm they would not.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done a long time ago. We prepare incredibly well and train incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

Coach Brendon McCullum appeared to leave the door open when he stated:

We need to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

McCullum added that he was "confident" a batter would be allowed to participate in the capital should they wish.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper a well-known figure stated it would be "amateurish" to pass up the chance to participate in Canberra.

What harm is it taking part in two days of cricket using the pink ball in evening conditions?

He added:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they might get slightly improved?

The approach I'd take would be, you've got a day-night two-day game, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the optimal preparation.

England are scheduled to fly to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to train until Monday. There is the possibility of an extra training session at the weekend.