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England's main batters 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 were beaten within two days in the first Test, leaving an 11-day break ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break opened up the chance for players to participate in the England Lions two-day pink-ball match against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital this weekend.

Instead, just fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batsman a young player – none of whom featured in the Perth match – are set to go to join the development squad.

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

Former England Player Describes Decision "Unusual"

When we heard England were considering sending squad members to Canberra for the England Lions match, it was expected it would be those requiring match time.

The former English fast bowler and chief cricket commentator continued:

The team 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 proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

The fixture against the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for visiting teams down under.

The tourists have played in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule this time because of a potential tight turnaround to Brisbane had the first match had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital takes almost four hours, with a further 120-minute flight from the capital and Brisbane.

Yet, given the opening match was completed in just two days – marking the first 48-hour Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of dispatching at least the batsmen to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Performance Struggles in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team survived such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test.
• Both the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was one of just four English opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England played only one practice game before the Perth match, so the game in Canberra could have offered valuable batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

In addition, the development game would have offered practice using the pink ball, as England due to play a unusual day-night Test.

England have lost five of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts triumphed in 13 from fourteen.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in Perth, Australia boast the top pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the likely line-up in Brisbane, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match using a day-night ball, and a third has played only one.

Team Management Position

Asked after the Perth match whether the team would alter their plans and send players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method in the past. Our preparations incredibly well and work intensely every day we get the opportunity.

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

We've just got to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

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

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking recently, former captain a well-known figure stated it would be "amateurish" to decline the opportunity to participate in the capital.

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

He added:

I can't be so traditional to propose that by getting match practice they could become a little bit better?

The approach I'd take would be, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, participate fully and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland midweek and do not plan to train until Monday. There is the possibility of an additional training session on Sunday.