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The English key batters chose to miss a pink-ball practice game in the capital, despite a devastating defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England suffered defeat in under two days in the first Test, leaving an extended break ahead of the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the chance for players to participate in the development squad 48-hour pink-ball match against a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the first Test – will travel and link up with the development squad.

Sources suggest that not one of the Perth players asked to play in the capital fixture.

Former England Star Calls Decision "Strange"

Upon learning the team thought about dispatching squad members to the capital for the development squad game, it was expected it would be players in need of match time.

The former English paceman and lead analyst continued:

England must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible of winning the series. The proof of the pudding will be with the results.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Experience

This match against the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for touring sides down under.

The tourists have played in the game in past 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.

Travel from Perth to Canberra requires almost four hours, with a further two-hour flight from the capital to Queensland.

However, considering the opening match was completed so quickly – the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of dispatching at least the batters to the capital appeared to be logical.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• England were bowled out twice in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England survived such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper failed to reach 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth England opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

England had just a single practice game prior to the Perth match, meaning the fixture in Canberra could have offered valuable batting practice.

Rare Day-Night Test Ahead

In addition, the development game provided experience using the day-night ball, as England due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

England been defeated in 5 of their seven prior day-nighters, while the hosts have won thirteen from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, Australia have the top pink-ball bowler in the game.

Of England's probable XI in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a red-ball game using a day-night ball, while a third has just a single appearance.

Team Management Position

Questioned after the Perth match whether the team would alter their plans and dispatch players to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that's how it was done a long time ago. Our preparations thoroughly and train intensely whenever possible to improve our game.

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

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

McCullum continued that he was "sure" a batsman would be allowed to participate in Canberra 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 opportunity to participate in the capital.

How could it hurt playing two days of the game with the pink ball in evening conditions?

He continued:

It's hard to believe so old school to propose that by playing cricket they could become a little bit better?

My method would be, there's a pink-ball two-day game, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, participate fully and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to train until Monday. There is the possibility of an extra practice at the weekend.