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England's main batters chose to miss a pink-ball practice game in the capital, even after a heavy defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England suffered defeat in under 48 hours in Perth, creating an 11-day break before the upcoming day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the chance for players to join the development squad 48-hour day-night fixture against a invitational side in the capital this weekend.

However, only fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, plus batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go to join the development squad.

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

Ex- England Star Describes Move "Unusual"

When we heard the team were considering dispatching squad members to Canberra for the England Lions match, we assumed they would send players requiring practice.

Ex- English fast bowler and chief cricket commentator added:

England are responsible for how they prepare and their performances on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible of winning the series. The proof of the pudding will be with the results.

Lost Chance for Day-Night Practice

This match against the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides down under.

The tourists participated in the fixture in previous series in Australia, but was left out from their plans on this occasion because of a possible short gap to Brisbane had the Perth Test gone the full duration.

Travel from Perth to Canberra takes almost four hours, with a further two-hour flight between Canberra to Queensland.

Yet, given the opening match finished in just two days – marking the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of dispatching at least the batters to the capital appeared to make sense.

Batting Issues in Perth

• The tourists dismissed in both innings in Perth inside 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 has the team survived such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth England opening batsman to record a pair in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single practice game before the first Test, so the fixture in the capital could have offered valuable batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Ahead

In addition, the Lions match provided experience with the pink ball, as England due to play a unusual pink-ball Test.

The tourists have lost 5 of their seven prior day-nighters, whereas the hosts have won 13 from fourteen.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in Perth, the home side boast the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

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

Team Management Stance

Questioned following the first Test whether England would alter preparations and send squad members to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes was adamant they would not.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations incredibly well and train intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We need to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

McCullum added that he was "sure" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra should they wish.

Concerns from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper a well-known figure said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to play in Canberra.

How could it hurt playing 48 hours of the game with the pink ball under lights?

Vaughan continued:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by getting match practice they might get a little bit better?

My method would be, 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 will travel to Queensland midweek and do not plan to practice before the start of the week. There is the chance of an additional practice on Sunday.