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The English main batters have opted to avoid a day-night tour match in the capital, despite a devastating defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists lost in under 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an extended break ahead of the upcoming day-night Test in Queensland.

The break presented the option for players to participate in the development squad 48-hour pink-ball fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital this weekend.

Instead, only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batter a young player – none of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

Reports indicate that not one of the first-Test players asked to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Former England Player Describes Decision "Strange"

Upon learning the team were considering sending players to the capital for the England Lions match, it was expected they would send those requiring practice.

Ex- England paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

The team must take charge of their preparation and their performances on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding comes in the eating.

Missed Chance for Day-Night Practice

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

The tourists have played in the game in previous series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion due to a potential short gap to the next Test had the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital requires almost 240 minutes, and a additional 120-minute journey from the capital and Brisbane.

However, considering the opening match was completed in just two days – the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of dispatching some of the batsmen to the capital seemed to be logical.

Performance Struggles in First Test

• England were bowled out twice in Perth inside 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England faced so few balls in losing a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four English opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes match.

The side played only one practice game before the Perth match, so the game in the capital could have offered much-needed time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Challenge Ahead

In addition, the development game would have offered practice using the day-night ball, as the team set to face a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, while the hosts have won thirteen from 14.

With a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side boast the top day-night specialist in the game.

Among the probable XI in Brisbane, gloveman one player and pace bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match using a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Position

Questioned following the Perth match if the team would alter preparations and dispatch players to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare thoroughly and train intensely every day to improve our game.

Coach Brendon McCullum appeared to leave the door open when he said:

We've just got to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to a fixed plan currently, but we'll work it out soon.

The coach added that he was "confident" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Former Captain

Speaking recently, former captain Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

How could it hurt playing two days of cricket using the day-night ball under lights?

He continued:

I can't be so old school to suggest that by playing cricket they could become slightly improved?

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

The squad will travel to Brisbane midweek and do not plan to train before the start of the week. There is the possibility of an additional practice at the weekend.