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England's key batters chose to avoid a pink-ball practice game in the capital, even after a heavy loss in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England suffered defeat within 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an extended gap before the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

The break presented the option for players to participate in the England Lions two-day day-night fixture versus a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, just pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

It is understood that none of the Perth XI requested to play in the Canberra match.

Former England Star Describes Move "Bizarre"

When we heard the team thought about dispatching players to the capital for the development squad game, we assumed they would send those in need of practice.

Ex- England fast bowler and lead analyst continued:

England are responsible for their preparation and their performances on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the series. The real test will be with the results.

Missed Chance for Day-Night Practice

The fixture with the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides to Australia.

The tourists have played in the fixture in past series in Australia, but was left out from their plans on this occasion due to a possible short gap to the next Test if the first match gone the full duration.

The flight from Western Australia to the capital requires almost 240 minutes, with a further 120-minute flight from Canberra and Queensland.

Yet, considering the first Test was completed so quickly – marking the first two-day Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of sending at least the batsmen to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• England were bowled out twice in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England faced so few balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Both the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became only the fourth England opener to register a pair in an Ashes match.

The side played only one practice game prior to the first Test, meaning the game in Canberra would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Ahead

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

England have lost five of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, while the hosts triumphed in thirteen from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in Perth, the home side boast the top day-night specialist in the world.

Among the likely line-up in Brisbane, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game with a day-night ball, while a third has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Questioned after the first Test if the team would change their plans and send players to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare incredibly well and train incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

Head coach Brendon McCullum appeared to suggest flexibility when he said:

We've just got to work out what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to any position at the moment, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

The coach continued that he was "sure" a batsman could play in the capital if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking on Saturday, former captain a well-known figure stated it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to play in Canberra.

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 getting match practice they could become a little bit better?

The approach I'd take would be, there's a pink-ball two-day game, you go and grab it, go and take it, participate fully and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad will travel to Queensland midweek and do not plan to train until Monday. There is the chance of an additional training session at the weekend.