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The English main batsmen have opted to skip a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, despite a devastating defeat in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists suffered defeat in under 48 hours in Perth, creating an 11-day gap ahead of the second day-night Test in Queensland.

This gap opened up the chance for players to participate in the England Lions two-day day-night match against a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

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

Sources suggest that not one of the Perth XI asked to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Former England Player Calls Decision "Unusual"

Upon learning the team thought about sending players to Canberra for the development squad game, it was expected they would send those in need of practice.

The former English fast bowler and lead analyst continued:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the Ashes. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

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

The tourists have played in the game in previous series in Australia, but was left out in their schedule on this occasion because of a potential tight turnaround to the next Test had the first match gone all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to Canberra requires just under four hours, with a additional 120-minute journey between the capital to Brisbane.

However, considering the opening match finished so quickly – the first two-day Test in the series since 1921 – the idea of sending at least the batsmen to the capital appeared to be logical.

Performance Struggles in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in Perth in under 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England faced so few balls in losing a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four English opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

The side played only one warm-up match before the Perth match, meaning the game in Canberra would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Rare Day-Night Test Coming Up

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

The tourists have lost 5 of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia have won thirteen from fourteen.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, Australia have the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the probable XI in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match with a pink ball, while Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Position

Questioned after the Perth match if the team would change their plans and send players to Canberra, the skipper remained firm they would not.

I've been asked a lot, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations thoroughly and train intensely whenever possible to improve our game.

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

We need to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll work it out soon.

The coach added that he was "sure" a batsman would be allowed to participate in the capital should they wish.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to play in the capital.

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

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 is, you've got a day-night two-day game, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, participate fully and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

England are scheduled to fly to Brisbane midweek and are not scheduled to practice before the start of the week. Exists the chance of an extra training session at the weekend.