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The English key batters chose to miss a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, even after a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists lost in under two days in Perth, creating an 11-day gap ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up the possibility for players to participate in the development squad two-day day-night match versus a invitational side in the capital this weekend.

However, just pace bowlers one bowler and another bowler, plus batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom featured in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

Sources suggest that not one of the Perth players requested to play in the capital match.

Former England Player Calls Move "Unusual"

Upon learning the team were considering dispatching players to the capital for the England Lions game, we assumed they would send those requiring match time.

Ex- England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator added:

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

Lost Chance for Day-Night Experience

This match with the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for visiting teams to Australia.

The tourists participated in the game in previous Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule this time because of a possible short gap to Brisbane had the first match gone the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to Canberra requires just under 240 minutes, and a additional two-hour journey between Canberra and Brisbane.

However, considering the opening match was completed in just two days – marking the first 48-hour Ashes Test since 1921 – the idea of dispatching some of the batters to the capital seemed to make sense.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out twice in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team survived such a low number of balls in losing a Test.
• Both the skipper and ex-skipper failed to reach 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener was only the fourth England opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single warm-up match before the first Test, so the fixture in Canberra would have provided much-needed time in the middle.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

Furthermore, the development game provided practice with the day-night ball, with the team due to play a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists have lost 5 of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts triumphed in 13 from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took a ten-wicket haul in Perth, the home side boast the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

Of England's likely line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match with a day-night ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Questioned after the first Test if England would alter preparations and dispatch players to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that's how it was done a long time ago. Our preparations thoroughly and train incredibly hard whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Head coach the coach seemed to leave the door open when he said:

We've just got to work out 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 "sure" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra should they wish.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking on Saturday, former captain a well-known figure stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the opportunity to play in the capital.

How could it hurt taking part in two days of cricket with the pink ball in evening conditions?

He continued:

I can't be so old school to suggest that by getting match practice they might get slightly improved?

My method would be, you've got a pink-ball 48-hour match, you go and grab it, go and take it, play those two days and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland on Wednesday and do not plan to train before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an additional practice at the weekend.