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The English main batters decided to skip a pink-ball practice game in the capital, despite a heavy loss in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists were beaten within two days in the first Test, creating an extended gap before the second day-night Test in Queensland.

The break presented the possibility for players to join the England Lions 48-hour day-night match against a invitational side in the capital this weekend.

However, only pace bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batter a young player – none of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the Lions.

Sources suggest that not one of the first-Test players requested to participate in the capital fixture.

Ex- English Player Describes Move "Unusual"

Upon learning England thought about dispatching players to the capital for the development squad game, we assumed it would be those in need of practice.

Ex- England paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

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

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Experience

The fixture against the invitational side is a tradition for visiting teams 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 potential tight turnaround to the next Test had the first match gone all five days.

The flight from Perth to Canberra takes just under 240 minutes, and a further 120-minute flight from the capital to Brisbane.

However, considering the opening match finished so quickly – the first two-day Test in the series since 1921 – the idea of sending some of the batsmen to the capital seemed to be logical.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• The tourists dismissed in both innings in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England survived such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth England opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single warm-up match before the Perth match, so the game in the capital would have provided valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Ahead

Furthermore, the Lions match provided practice using the day-night ball, with the team due to play a rare day-night Test.

England been defeated in 5 of their 7 previous day-nighters, whereas Australia triumphed in thirteen from 14.

With a key bowler, who took a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia boast the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the probable XI in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match with a pink ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Leadership Position

Questioned following the first Test if England would alter their plans and send squad members to Canberra, the skipper remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that was the method a long time ago. We prepare incredibly well and work intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Head coach Brendon McCullum seemed to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We've just got to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to a fixed plan currently, but we'll work it out soon.

McCullum continued that he was "confident" a batter could play in the capital if he wanted to.

Concerns from Former Captain

Commenting recently, ex-skipper a well-known figure said it would be "amateurish" to decline the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

How could it hurt playing two days of cricket using the day-night ball under lights?

Vaughan continued:

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

My method is, 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 are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to train until Monday. There is the chance of an extra practice on Sunday.