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The English main batters have opted to avoid a pink-ball practice game in the capital, even after a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists suffered defeat within two days in Perth, creating an extended break ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the chance for squad members to join the England Lions two-day day-night fixture against a invitational side in the capital this weekend.

Instead, just fast bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the first Test – will travel to join the Lions.

It is understood that not one of the first-Test players asked to play in the capital match.

Former English Star Calls Decision "Strange"

Upon learning the team thought about dispatching players to Canberra for the development squad game, it was expected they would send players requiring match time.

Ex- English fast bowler and lead analyst continued:

England are responsible for how they prepare and their performances on the field. It's their job to giving it their best shot to win the series. The real test will be with the results.

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

The fixture against the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides down under.

England have played in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule this time because of a potential tight turnaround to Brisbane had the Perth Test gone the full duration.

The flight from Perth to Canberra requires almost 240 minutes, with a additional 120-minute journey from Canberra to Queensland.

However, considering the opening match finished in just two days – marking the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of dispatching at least the batters to Canberra appeared to make sense.

Batting Struggles in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out twice in Perth in under 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England survived such a low number of deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth English opening batsman to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single practice game prior to the Perth match, so the game in Canberra would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Ahead

In addition, the development game would have offered practice using the pink ball, as the team set to face a unusual pink-ball Test.

The tourists have lost five of their seven previous day-nighters, whereas the hosts have won thirteen from 14.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side boast the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's probable line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game with a pink ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Position

Questioned after the Perth match if England would change their plans and dispatch 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 thoroughly and train intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Head coach Brendon McCullum seemed to leave the door open when he stated:

We need to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position at the moment, but we'll decide soon.

The coach added that he was "confident" a batter could play in the capital should they wish.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting recently, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan said it would be "amateurish" to decline the chance to play in Canberra.

How could it hurt taking part in two days of cricket using the pink ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan added:

It's hard to believe so old school to propose that by playing cricket they could become a little bit better?

My method would be, there's a day-night two-day game, you go and grab it, go and take it, participate fully and give yourself the optimal preparation.

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