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The English primary batsmen have opted to skip a day-night tour match in Canberra, even after a heavy loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

England were beaten within two days in Perth, creating an extended break before the upcoming day-night Test in Queensland.

The break presented the option for squad members to participate in the development squad two-day day-night match versus a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom featured in the first Test – are set to go to join the development squad.

It is understood that none of the Perth XI asked to play in the capital fixture.

Ex- English Player Calls Move "Bizarre"

When we heard the team thought about sending squad members to the capital for the development squad match, we assumed it would be players requiring match time.

Ex- English fast bowler and lead analyst added:

The team must take charge of their preparation and how they perform during matches. It's their job to doing everything possible of winning the Ashes. The proof of the pudding comes in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

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

England have played in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans this time because of a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane if the Perth Test gone all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital takes almost 240 minutes, and a additional 120-minute flight between Canberra and Queensland.

Yet, given the opening match finished in just two days – marking the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the idea of sending at least the batsmen to Canberra appeared to make sense.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• England dismissed in both innings in Perth in under 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England survived such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener became only the fourth English opening batsman to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single practice game before the first Test, so the fixture in Canberra could have offered much-needed time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Test Ahead

Furthermore, the Lions match provided experience using the day-night ball, with England set to face a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia triumphed in 13 from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, the home side boast the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's likely line-up in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match using a pink ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Questioned following the first Test whether England would alter preparations and dispatch players to the capital, the skipper was adamant they would not.

I've been asked a lot, that was the method in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and work intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

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

We've just got to determine what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

McCullum continued that he was "sure" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Criticism from Former Captain

Commenting recently, ex-skipper a well-known figure stated it would be "amateurish" to pass up the opportunity to play in the capital.

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

He added:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by getting match practice they could become a little bit better?

My method is, there's a day-night two-day game, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and give yourself the best chance.

England are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to practice until Monday. There is the chance of an extra practice at the weekend.