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The English key batters have opted to avoid a day-night practice game in Canberra, despite a heavy defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England lost within 48 hours in the first Test, creating an extended break before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break opened up the chance for players to join the development squad two-day pink-ball fixture versus a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

It is understood that none of the Perth players requested to play in the capital match.

Ex- England Player Describes Move "Unusual"

Upon learning the team thought about sending players to the capital for the development squad game, it was expected it would be players in need of match time.

Ex- English paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

England are responsible for their preparation and their performances on the field. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the series. The real test will be with the results.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Experience

This match against the invitational side is a tradition for visiting teams down under.

The tourists have played in the game in past Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion because of a possible tight turnaround to the next Test had the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to Canberra takes almost four hours, and a additional 120-minute flight from Canberra and Brisbane.

However, given the first Test finished so quickly – the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of dispatching at least the batters to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Batting Struggles in First Test

• England were bowled out twice in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England survived such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test match.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• The opener became only the fourth England opening batsman to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

England had just a single warm-up match before the Perth match, meaning the fixture in Canberra could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Rare Day-Night Challenge Ahead

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

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

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side have the top day-night specialist in the game.

Of England's probable XI in Brisbane, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match with a day-night ball, and a third has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Asked following the first Test if England would alter their plans and send squad members to the capital, the skipper remained firm they would not.

This question has come up a lot, that's how it was done a long time ago. We prepare incredibly well and work incredibly hard whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Coach Brendon McCullum appeared to suggest flexibility when he said:

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 Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking recently, former captain a well-known figure said it would be "amateurish" to decline the opportunity to play in Canberra.

What harm is it taking part in two days of cricket using the day-night ball in evening conditions?

He continued:

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

My method is, you've got a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to train until Monday. There is the possibility of an extra training session at the weekend.