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The English main batters decided to avoid a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, despite a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England were beaten in under 48 hours in the first Test, leaving an 11-day break before the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the possibility for players to join the development squad 48-hour day-night match against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, just fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batsman a young player – all of whom played in the first Test – are set to go to join the development squad.

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

Ex- England Player Calls Move "Unusual"

Upon learning the team were considering dispatching players to the capital for the England Lions game, we assumed it would be those requiring practice.

Ex- England paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

England are responsible for their preparation and their performances on the field. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the series. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

The fixture with the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for touring sides down under.

The tourists have played in the game in past series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion due to a possible short gap to the next Test if the Perth Test had lasted all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to Canberra takes just under four hours, and a additional 120-minute flight between the capital and Queensland.

Yet, considering the opening match finished so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of sending at least the batters to the capital seemed to make sense.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• England were bowled out in both innings in the first Test inside 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England faced such a low number of balls in losing a Test match.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in both innings.
• The opener was only the fourth England opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single warm-up match before the Perth match, meaning the game in Canberra could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Coming Up

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

The tourists have lost 5 of their seven previous day-nighters, whereas the hosts triumphed in 13 from fourteen.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side boast the best day-night specialist in the game.

Of England's probable XI in Brisbane, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler another have never played a red-ball game with a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Asked after the first Test if England would change their plans and dispatch players to the capital, the skipper remained firm they would not.

This question has come up a lot, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare thoroughly and work intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he said:

We've just got to work out what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll decide soon.

McCullum continued that he was "sure" a batter could play in the capital should they wish.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting recently, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to participate in Canberra.

How could it hurt playing 48 hours of cricket using the day-night ball under lights?

He added:

It's hard to believe so old school to suggest that by getting match practice they might get slightly improved?

The approach I'd take would be, there's a pink-ball two-day game, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

England are scheduled to fly to Queensland midweek and do not plan to train until Monday. Exists the chance of an additional practice at the weekend.