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The English main batters have opted to avoid a day-night tour match in the capital, despite a devastating defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England lost within two days in Perth, creating an extended break before the second pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the possibility for squad members to participate in the development squad 48-hour pink-ball match versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batsman a young player – all of whom featured in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the Lions.

Sources suggest that not one of the first-Test XI requested to participate in the capital match.

Ex- English Player Describes Decision "Strange"

Upon learning England thought about sending players to the capital for the development squad game, we assumed it would be players requiring practice.

Ex- English paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

The team are responsible for their preparation and their performances during matches. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the series. The real test comes with the results.

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

This match against the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams down under.

England have played in the game in previous Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule this time due to a potential tight turnaround to Brisbane had the first match had lasted all five days.

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

Yet, considering the opening match was completed so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of sending at least the batters to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Batting Issues in First Test

• England dismissed in both innings in Perth inside 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 has the team survived so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test match.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in either innings.
• The opener was only the fourth England opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single warm-up match before the Perth match, so the game in the capital could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Challenge Ahead

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered experience using the pink ball, with the team due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts triumphed in 13 from 14.

With a key bowler, who took a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia have the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

Of England's likely XI in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler another are yet to experience a red-ball game using a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Asked following the first Test if England would change their plans and send players to Canberra, the skipper remained firm they would not.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method in the past. We prepare incredibly well and train incredibly hard every day we get the opportunity.

Coach the coach seemed to leave the door open when he stated:

We need to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll decide soon.

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

Concerns from Former Captain

Commenting recently, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan 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?

He added:

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

The approach I'd take would be, there's a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the optimal preparation.

England will travel to Queensland on Wednesday and are not scheduled to train before the start of the week. Exists the chance of an extra practice at the weekend.