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England's primary batters have opted to skip a day-night practice game in the capital, even after a heavy loss in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists suffered defeat in under 48 hours in the first Test, creating an 11-day break ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the chance for players to join the development squad 48-hour pink-ball fixture versus a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, only pace bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, plus batsman a young player – none of whom played in the Perth match – will travel to join the development squad.

It is understood that none of the first-Test players requested to participate in the capital fixture.

Former England Star Calls Move "Strange"

Upon learning the team were considering dispatching squad members to Canberra for the England Lions match, it was expected it would be those requiring match time.

Ex- England fast bowler and lead analyst added:

England must take charge of how they prepare and their performances during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the Ashes. The real test will be in the eating.

Missed Chance for Day-Night Experience

This match with the invitational side is a tradition for visiting teams to Australia.

The tourists participated in the fixture in previous series in Australia, but was left out in their schedule this time due to a potential tight turnaround to Brisbane had the Perth Test had lasted all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital takes almost 240 minutes, with a additional two-hour flight between the capital and Brisbane.

However, considering the opening match finished so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series in over a century – the thought of sending some of the batters to Canberra seemed to make sense.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England survived so few deliveries in losing a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four English opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single warm-up match prior to the Perth match, so the game in Canberra could have offered much-needed time in the middle.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

In addition, the Lions match would have offered experience with the day-night ball, with the team due to play a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in 5 of their 7 previous day-nighters, while Australia triumphed in thirteen from 14.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, Australia boast the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's probable XI in Brisbane, gloveman one player and pace bowler another have never played a red-ball game using a day-night ball, while a third has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Asked after the Perth match if England would change preparations and dispatch players to Canberra, the skipper was adamant they would not.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations incredibly well and work incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

Coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he said:

We've just got to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll work it out soon.

McCullum continued that he was "sure" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra should they wish.

Concerns from Former Captain

Speaking recently, ex-skipper a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the chance to participate in the capital.

How could it hurt taking part in two days of the game using the pink ball under lights?

He added:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by playing cricket they might get 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, play those two days and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad will travel to Queensland on Wednesday and are not scheduled to train until Monday. There is the possibility of an additional practice on Sunday.