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The English main batsmen have opted to skip a day-night practice game in the capital, even after a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

England suffered defeat in under 48 hours in Perth, leaving an 11-day break before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the possibility for squad members to join the development squad two-day pink-ball match against a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only pace bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, plus batsman a young player – none of whom featured in the first Test – will travel to join the Lions.

Sources suggest that none of the Perth XI asked to play in the capital fixture.

Ex- England Player Describes Move "Unusual"

Upon learning the team thought about dispatching squad members to Canberra for the England Lions match, we assumed it would be players in need of practice.

Ex- England paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

The team are responsible for their preparation and their performances during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the series. The real test will be in the eating.

Missed Chance for Day-Night Experience

The fixture against the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides to Australia.

The tourists participated in the game in previous series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion due to a potential short gap to Brisbane had the first match gone the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital takes just under 240 minutes, and a further 120-minute flight from Canberra to Queensland.

Yet, given the opening match was completed in just two days – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series in over a century – the idea of dispatching some of the batsmen to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Batting Issues in First Test

• England dismissed in both innings in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team faced so few balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• The opener was only the fourth English opener to register a pair in an Ashes match.

The side played only one practice game prior to the Perth match, so the game in the capital would have provided much-needed time in the middle.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Test Ahead

In addition, the development game provided practice with the day-night ball, with England due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

England been defeated in five of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, while Australia have won thirteen from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took a ten-wicket haul in Perth, the home side boast the top day-night specialist in the world.

Of England's likely XI in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match using a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Stance

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

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done a long time ago. Our preparations thoroughly and train intensely whenever possible to improve our game.

Coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he said:

We've just got to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to any position at the moment, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

McCullum added that he was "sure" a batter would be allowed to participate in the capital if he wanted to.

Criticism from Former Captain

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

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

He continued:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they could become slightly improved?

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

The squad will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. There is the chance of an additional practice at the weekend.