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England's main batters decided to avoid a day-night tour match in Canberra, even after a comprehensive defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists lost within 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an 11-day gap ahead of the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the possibility for players to participate in the England Lions two-day pink-ball fixture against a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

However, only fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, plus batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the first Test – are set to go to join the Lions.

It is understood that not one of the Perth players asked to play in the capital match.

Ex- England Player Calls Move "Unusual"

Upon learning the team were considering sending players to Canberra for the development squad game, it was expected it would be players requiring practice.

Ex- English paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

England must take charge of their preparation and their performances on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible of winning the series. The real test comes in the eating.

Missed Chance for Day-Night Practice

The fixture against the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams to Australia.

The tourists have played in the game in past series in Australia, but it was not from their plans this time because of a possible short gap to the next Test had the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Perth to the capital requires just under 240 minutes, and a further two-hour journey from Canberra and Brisbane.

Yet, given the first Test was completed so quickly – marking the first two-day Test in the series in over a century – the idea of sending some of the batters to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Batting Issues in First Test

• England were bowled out twice in Perth inside 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 has the team faced so few balls in losing a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became only the fourth England opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes match.

England had just a single practice game before the first Test, meaning the fixture in Canberra could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

In addition, the development game provided experience with the pink ball, as England set to face a unusual day-night Test.

England been defeated in five of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia have won 13 from 14.

With a key bowler, who took a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia boast the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the probable XI in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler another have never played a first-class match with a day-night ball, and a third has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Questioned following the Perth match if the team would alter preparations and dispatch squad members to Canberra, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations incredibly well and work incredibly hard every day we get the opportunity.

Coach Brendon McCullum seemed to leave the door open when he stated:

We've just got to work out what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position at the moment, but we'll decide soon.

The coach continued that he was "confident" a batsman could play in the capital if he wanted to.

Concerns from Former Captain

Speaking recently, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan said it would be "amateurish" to pass up the chance to participate in Canberra.

How could it hurt playing 48 hours of cricket using the day-night ball in evening conditions?

He continued:

It's hard to believe so old school to suggest that by getting match practice they could become slightly improved?

The approach I'd take is, you've got a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, participate fully and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane midweek and do not plan to train before the start of the week. Exists the chance of an extra practice on Sunday.