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The English key batsmen have opted to miss a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, despite a devastating loss in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists were beaten in under 48 hours in Perth, leaving an extended break ahead of the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the chance for squad members to join the England Lions 48-hour day-night fixture versus a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, just fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom played in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the development squad.

Reports indicate that not one of the first-Test players requested to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Former England Star Describes Decision "Strange"

When we heard England thought about sending squad members to Canberra for the England Lions match, it was expected it would be players requiring match time.

The former England fast bowler and lead analyst added:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and their performances on the field. It's their job to giving it their best shot of winning the Ashes. The proof of the pudding comes in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

This match against the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for touring sides to Australia.

England have played in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule this time due to a possible short gap to the next Test if the first match gone all five days.

The flight from Western Australia to the capital takes almost four hours, with a further 120-minute journey from Canberra and Brisbane.

However, considering the first Test finished in just two days – the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the idea of sending some of the batsmen to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• The tourists dismissed twice in the first Test inside 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England faced so few balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root failed to reach 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was one of just four English opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

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

Rare Day-Night Test Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered practice using the pink ball, as England set to face a unusual pink-ball Test.

The tourists have lost five of their 7 previous day-nighters, while Australia have won 13 from 14.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, Australia boast the top pink-ball bowler in the game.

Of England's probable line-up in Brisbane, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler another have never played a red-ball game using a pink ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Asked following the Perth match if England would alter preparations and dispatch players to the capital, the skipper was adamant they would not.

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

Coach Brendon McCullum appeared to suggest flexibility when he stated:

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

The coach continued that he was "confident" a batsman could play in the capital should they wish.

Concerns from Former Captain

Speaking recently, former captain a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the opportunity to participate in the capital.

How could it hurt taking part in 48 hours of cricket using the pink ball under lights?

Vaughan continued:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they could become a little bit better?

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 give yourself the best chance.

The squad will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to practice until Monday. Exists the possibility of an additional training session on Sunday.