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England's main batsmen have opted to skip a pink-ball tour match in the capital, despite a heavy loss in the opening 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.

This gap presented the option for squad members to join the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball fixture versus a Prime Minister's XI in the capital this weekend.

Instead, just fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batter a young player – all of whom played in the Perth match – will travel to join the Lions.

Reports indicate that none of the Perth XI requested to play in the Canberra match.

Ex- English Player Describes Move "Unusual"

Upon learning the team were considering dispatching squad members to the capital for the England Lions match, it was expected it would be players in need of practice.

The former English paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

England must take charge of how they prepare and their performances during matches. It's their job to doing everything possible of winning the Ashes. The real test will be with the results.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Practice

This match with the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides to Australia.

England have played in the game in past Ashes tours, but it was not from their plans on this occasion because of a potential tight turnaround to the next Test had the first match had lasted the full duration.

The flight from Perth to the capital takes just under 240 minutes, and a additional two-hour flight between Canberra to Brisbane.

However, considering the opening match was completed in just two days – marking the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of sending some of the batsmen to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Performance Issues in Perth

• The tourists dismissed in both innings in the first Test in under 68 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s has the team faced such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was 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 prior to the Perth match, meaning the game in the capital would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Ahead

Furthermore, the development game provided experience using the pink ball, as the team set to face a rare day-night Test.

England have lost five of their 7 prior day-nighters, while the hosts have won 13 from fourteen.

With a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in Perth, the home side boast the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the likely XI in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match with a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Asked after the Perth match whether the team would change their plans and send squad members to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that's how it was done a long time ago. We prepare thoroughly and train incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

Coach Brendon McCullum appeared to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We need to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

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

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to play in Canberra.

What harm is it taking part in 48 hours of cricket with the day-night ball under lights?

He added:

It's hard to believe so old school to suggest that by playing cricket they might get a little bit better?

The approach I'd take would be, you've got a pink-ball two-day game, you go and grab it, go and take it, participate fully and give yourself the best chance.

The squad will travel to Queensland on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice before the start of the week. Exists the chance of an extra practice on Sunday.