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England's key batsmen have opted to skip a pink-ball practice game in the capital, despite a devastating defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

England suffered defeat within 48 hours in Perth, leaving an extended gap before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the chance for players to participate in the development squad two-day pink-ball fixture against a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only pace bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – all of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the Lions.

Reports indicate that none of the first-Test XI requested to participate in the Canberra match.

Former English Player Calls Move "Strange"

When we heard the team thought about dispatching squad members to Canberra for the England Lions game, we assumed it would be players requiring match time.

The former England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator added:

England must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The real test comes with the results.

Lost Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

The fixture with the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for visiting teams down under.

The tourists have played in the game in previous Ashes tours, but it was not from their plans this time because of a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane had the Perth Test gone all five days.

The flight from Western Australia to the capital takes almost four hours, with a additional two-hour flight from the capital to Queensland.

Yet, given the first Test finished so quickly – marking the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of dispatching some of the batsmen to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Batting Issues in First Test

• The tourists dismissed in both innings in Perth in under 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 has the team survived such a low number of balls in losing a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• The opener became only the fourth English opener to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single practice game before the Perth match, so the fixture in the capital could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match provided experience using the pink ball, as the team set to face a unusual pink-ball Test.

England have lost 5 of their seven prior day-nighters, whereas the hosts triumphed in 13 from fourteen.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in Perth, Australia have the best day-night specialist in the game.

Among the likely line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match using a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Team Management Position

Questioned following the Perth match whether England would change preparations and dispatch squad members to Canberra, the skipper remained firm in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method in the past. Our preparations thoroughly and work incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

Coach the coach appeared to leave the door open when he said:

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

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

Criticism from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, former captain a well-known figure said it would be "amateurish" to pass up the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

How could it hurt taking part in two days of the game using the pink ball under lights?

Vaughan continued:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they could become a little bit better?

The approach I'd take is, there's a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

The squad will travel to Brisbane midweek and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. There is the possibility of an additional practice at the weekend.