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England's key batters have opted to miss a day-night practice game in the capital, despite a devastating loss in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists lost in under two days in Perth, leaving an extended gap ahead of the second pink-ball Test in Queensland.

This gap opened up the possibility for players to participate in the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, just pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom featured in the Perth match – are set to go to join the development squad.

Reports indicate that not one of the first-Test players asked to play in the capital fixture.

Ex- English Star Describes Decision "Unusual"

Upon learning England thought about dispatching players to the capital for the development squad game, it was expected they would send players in need of practice.

The former England paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

England must take charge of their preparation and how they perform during matches. It's their job to doing everything possible of winning the series. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

The fixture with the invitational side is a tradition for visiting teams down under.

England have played in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule this time because of a possible short gap to the next Test had the first match gone the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to Canberra takes just under 240 minutes, and a further two-hour flight from the capital and Brisbane.

Yet, considering the opening match was completed so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of sending at least the batters to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Batting Issues in Perth

• England were bowled out in both innings in Perth inside 68 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s have England faced so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• Zak Crawley became only the fourth England opening batsman to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

The side had just a single practice game before the Perth match, so the game in Canberra would have provided valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Ahead

In addition, the development game would have offered practice using the pink ball, with England set to face a rare day-night Test.

The tourists have lost five of their 7 prior pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts triumphed in 13 from 14.

With a key bowler, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia boast the best day-night specialist in the world.

Among the likely XI in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game with a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Asked after the Perth match whether England would change their plans and send players to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm they would not.

This question has come up a lot, that was the method a long time ago. We prepare incredibly well and work intensely whenever possible to improve our game.

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

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

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

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Commenting recently, ex-skipper a well-known figure stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the opportunity to play in Canberra.

What harm is it taking part in two days of the game with the pink ball under lights?

He added:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by getting match practice they might get slightly improved?

My method is, there's a day-night two-day game, you go and grab it, make the most of it, participate fully and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to train until Monday. There is the chance of an additional practice at the weekend.