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England's primary batters chose to miss a day-night practice game in the capital, even after a heavy defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

England lost in under 48 hours in Perth, leaving an extended gap ahead of the second pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break opened up the chance for squad members to participate in the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball fixture versus a Prime Minister's XI in the capital this weekend.

However, just fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batter a young player – none of whom featured in the first Test – are set to go to join the Lions.

Sources suggest that not one of the first-Test XI asked to participate in the capital match.

Ex- England Player Describes Move "Unusual"

When we heard England were considering dispatching players to Canberra for the England Lions game, we assumed it would be players in need of match time.

The former England fast bowler and lead analyst added:

The team are responsible for their preparation and their performances on the field. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the series. The proof of the pudding will be with the results.

Lost Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

This match with the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for visiting teams to Australia.

England participated in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but it was not from their plans on this occasion due to a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane had the first match gone all five days.

Travel from Perth to the capital takes almost four hours, with a additional 120-minute journey from Canberra to Brisbane.

However, considering the first Test was completed in just two days – the first two-day Test in the series since 1921 – the idea of sending at least the batsmen to Canberra seemed to make sense.

Performance Issues in First Test

• The tourists dismissed in both innings in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England survived so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in both innings.
• The opener was only the fourth England opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England played only one warm-up match before the Perth match, so the fixture in the capital could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

In addition, the Lions match provided experience with the day-night ball, with the team set to face a rare day-night Test.

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

With a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in Perth, Australia boast the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the probable line-up in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a red-ball game with a pink ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Questioned after the first Test whether the team would alter their plans and send players to the capital, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up a lot, that was the method in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and work incredibly hard whenever possible to improve our game.

Head coach the coach appeared to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We've just got to work out what the pros and cons are. We're not married to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

McCullum continued that he was "confident" a batter could play in the capital should they wish.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking recently, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to participate in Canberra.

What harm is it playing two days of the game with the day-night ball in evening conditions?

He added:

I can't be so old school to propose that by playing cricket they could become a little bit better?

The approach I'd take is, you've got a day-night two-day game, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

The squad will travel to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to train before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an additional training session on Sunday.