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England's primary batters decided to avoid a day-night practice game in the capital, even after a heavy loss in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists were beaten in under two days in Perth, leaving an extended gap before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

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

Instead, only pace bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the development squad.

Sources suggest that none of the first-Test players requested to play in the capital fixture.

Ex- English Player Calls Decision "Unusual"

Upon learning England were considering sending players to Canberra for the England Lions game, it was expected it would be players in need of match time.

The former English fast bowler and lead analyst added:

The team are responsible for how they prepare and their performances during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible of winning the Ashes. The real test comes with the results.

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

This match with the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides to Australia.

England have played in the game in past Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule on this occasion due to a possible short gap to the next Test had the first match gone all five days.

The flight from Perth to Canberra requires just under four hours, and a further two-hour flight from Canberra and Brisbane.

Yet, considering the first Test was completed in just two days – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of dispatching some of the batsmen to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Batting Struggles in First Test

• England dismissed in both innings in the first Test inside 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England faced such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in both innings.
• The opener became only the fourth England opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single warm-up match before the Perth match, so the game in the capital would have provided valuable time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Challenge Ahead

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered practice with the pink ball, with England due to play a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their seven previous pink-ball Tests, while the hosts have won 13 from 14.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who took a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, the home side boast the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the probable XI in Brisbane, gloveman one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match with a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Position

Asked after the first Test whether England would change their plans and dispatch players to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm they would not.

This question has come up repeatedly, that's how it was done a long time ago. We prepare thoroughly and train intensely every day we get the opportunity.

Coach the coach appeared to leave the door open when he said:

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

The coach added that he was "confident" a batsman could play in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Speaking recently, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "amateurish" to decline the opportunity to participate in the capital.

What harm is it taking part in 48 hours of cricket with the pink ball under lights?

He continued:

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

My method would be, you've got a pink-ball two-day game, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

England are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to practice until Monday. There is the possibility of an extra practice on Sunday.