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The English main batters decided to miss a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, despite a heavy loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists were beaten in under two days in Perth, leaving an 11-day gap before the second day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the chance for squad members to participate in the development squad two-day day-night match versus a Prime Minister's XI in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batter a young player – all of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the development squad.

Reports indicate that not one of the first-Test players requested to play in the Canberra match.

Former English Player Describes Decision "Strange"

When we heard the team were considering dispatching squad members to the capital for the development squad match, we assumed they would send those requiring match time.

The former England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator added:

England are responsible for their preparation and how they perform on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding comes in the eating.

Missed Chance for Day-Night Practice

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

England have played in the game in previous series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion because of a potential short gap to the next Test if the Perth Test gone all five days.

Travel from Perth to Canberra requires just under four hours, with a additional 120-minute journey between the capital to Queensland.

However, considering the opening match finished so quickly – marking the first two-day Test in the series in over a century – the thought of dispatching some of the batters to the capital appeared to be logical.

Batting Issues in Perth

• England dismissed twice in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team survived so few balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• The opener became only the fourth English opener to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

England had just a single warm-up match before the first Test, meaning the fixture in the capital could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Rare Day-Night Test Coming Up

Furthermore, the development game would have offered practice using the day-night ball, as England set to face a rare pink-ball Test.

The tourists been defeated in 5 of their 7 prior pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia have won thirteen from 14.

With a key bowler, who took a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, the home side have the best day-night specialist in the game.

Of England's probable XI in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match using a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Questioned following the Perth match if the team would alter preparations and send squad members to Canberra, the skipper was adamant they would not.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and train incredibly hard every day we get the opportunity.

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

We've just got to work out what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll decide soon.

McCullum added that he was "sure" a batsman could play in the capital if he wanted to.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Commenting on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to play in Canberra.

How could it hurt playing 48 hours of cricket using the day-night ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan added:

I can't be so traditional to propose that by getting match practice they might get a little bit better?

My method is, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you go and grab it, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad will travel to Queensland on Wednesday and are not scheduled to train before the start of the week. There is the chance of an extra training session on Sunday.