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England's main batsmen have opted to miss a pink-ball practice game in the capital, even after a devastating loss in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England lost in under 48 hours in Perth, creating an 11-day break before the second pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the chance for players to join the England Lions 48-hour day-night match versus a Prime Minister's XI in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only pace bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the first Test – will travel to join the Lions.

Sources suggest that none of the first-Test XI requested to play in the Canberra match.

Former English Player Calls Move "Unusual"

When we heard the team were considering dispatching players to the capital for the development squad match, we assumed they would send those in need of match time.

Ex- English paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

England are responsible for how they prepare and their performances during matches. It's their job to giving it their best shot of winning the Ashes. The proof of the pudding comes in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

This match with the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides down under.

The tourists participated in the game in past Ashes tours, but it was not from their plans this time due to a possible tight turnaround to the next Test had the first match gone all five days.

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

Yet, considering the opening match was completed in just two days – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the idea of dispatching at least the batters to the capital appeared to make sense.

Batting Issues in First Test

• England were bowled out twice in the first Test inside 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team survived such a low number of deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper failed to reach 10 runs in either innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four England opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single warm-up match prior to the first Test, so the game in Canberra would have provided valuable time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Challenge Coming Up

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

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

With a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side have the best day-night specialist in the game.

Among the probable XI in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler another have never played a red-ball game using a pink ball, and a third has played only one.

Leadership Position

Questioned following the Perth match if the team would alter their plans and send squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant they would not.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare thoroughly and work incredibly hard every day we get the opportunity.

Coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he said:

We've just got to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to any position at the moment, but we'll decide soon.

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

Concerns from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the chance to participate in the capital.

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

Vaughan added:

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

My method is, you've got a day-night two-day game, you go and grab it, go and take it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

The squad will travel to Brisbane midweek and do not plan to practice before the start of the week. There is the possibility of an additional practice on Sunday.