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England's key batters have opted to skip a pink-ball practice game in the capital, despite a devastating defeat in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists were beaten in under two days in Perth, leaving an 11-day gap ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up the possibility for players to participate in the development squad 48-hour day-night fixture against a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batter a young player – none of whom featured in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

Sources suggest that not one of the Perth players requested to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Former England Star Describes Decision "Unusual"

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

The former England fast bowler and lead analyst continued:

England must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform on the field. It's their job to giving it their best shot to win the Ashes. The real test comes with the results.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

This match with the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides to Australia.

The tourists have played in the fixture in past series in Australia, but it was not from their plans this time because of a possible short gap to Brisbane if the Perth Test gone all five days.

The flight from Perth to the capital takes almost 240 minutes, with a additional 120-minute journey from Canberra to Queensland.

Yet, given the first Test was completed in just two days – marking the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of dispatching at least the batters to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• England were bowled out in both innings in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s have England faced so few balls in losing a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener became one of just four English opener to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side had just a single warm-up match prior to the first Test, meaning the fixture in the capital would have provided much-needed time in the middle.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Test Ahead

Furthermore, the Lions match provided experience with the day-night ball, with the team due to play a unusual pink-ball Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their seven previous pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia triumphed in 13 from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia have the best day-night specialist in the game.

Of England's likely line-up in the next Test, gloveman one player and pace bowler another have never played a red-ball game with a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Questioned following the first Test whether England would change preparations and dispatch players to Canberra, the skipper was adamant they would not.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method in the past. We prepare thoroughly and work incredibly hard every day we get the opportunity.

Head coach Brendon McCullum seemed 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.

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

Criticism from Former Captain

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

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

Vaughan added:

It's hard to believe so old school to propose that by playing cricket they might get slightly improved?

My method would be, there's a day-night two-day game, you go and grab it, go and take it, play those two days and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an extra practice at the weekend.