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The English main batsmen chose to miss a pink-ball practice game in the capital, even after a devastating loss in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists were beaten in under two days in the first Test, creating an extended gap before the upcoming day-night Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up the option for players to participate in the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball match against a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

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

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

Former English Player Describes Decision "Unusual"

Upon learning England thought about sending squad members to Canberra for the development squad match, it was expected they would send those in need of practice.

Ex- English fast bowler and chief cricket commentator continued:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and their performances during matches. It's their job to giving it their best shot of winning the Ashes. The real test will be with the results.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

This match against the invitational side is a tradition for visiting teams down under.

England have played in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but it was not from their plans on this occasion because of a possible short gap to Brisbane had the first match had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Perth to the capital takes just under four hours, with a additional two-hour journey between Canberra to Brisbane.

Yet, given the first Test was completed in just two days – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the idea of dispatching at least the batsmen to Canberra seemed to make sense.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• The tourists dismissed twice in Perth inside 68 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team faced so few balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in both innings.
• The opener was one of just four England opener to register a pair in an Ashes match.

The side played only one warm-up match before the first Test, meaning the fixture in Canberra could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match provided experience with the day-night ball, with England due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

The tourists have lost five of their 7 previous day-nighters, whereas the hosts triumphed in 13 from fourteen.

With a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, Australia have the top day-night specialist in the world.

Among the likely XI in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler another have never played a red-ball game with a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Leadership Position

Asked following the Perth match if the team would alter their plans and dispatch squad members to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

This question has come up a lot, that's how it was done a long time ago. We prepare incredibly well and train intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Head coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We need to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

The coach continued that he was "sure" a batter would be allowed to participate in the capital if he wanted to.

Concerns from Former Captain

Commenting recently, former captain a well-known figure stated it would be "amateurish" to decline the chance to play in the capital.

What harm is it playing two days of the game with the day-night ball in evening conditions?

He continued:

I can't be so old school to suggest that by playing cricket they could become slightly improved?

The approach I'd take would be, there's a day-night two-day game, you go and grab it, make the most of it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland midweek and do not plan to train before the start of the week. There is the possibility of an additional training session at the weekend.