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England's key batters have opted to miss a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, despite a comprehensive defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists suffered defeat within two days in Perth, leaving an extended break ahead of the upcoming day-night Test in Queensland.

This gap opened up the chance for players to join the England Lions two-day pink-ball fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital this weekend.

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

It is understood that not one of the first-Test XI asked to play in the Canberra match.

Ex- England Star Calls Move "Bizarre"

When we heard the team were considering dispatching players to the capital for the development squad match, it was expected it would be those requiring match time.

Ex- England fast bowler and lead analyst added:

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

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

The fixture against the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for visiting teams to Australia.

The tourists have played in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion due to a potential tight turnaround to the next Test if the first match had lasted all five days.

The flight from Perth to Canberra takes almost four hours, and a further 120-minute flight between Canberra and Queensland.

Yet, considering the opening match was completed so quickly – the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of dispatching at least the batters to the capital appeared to make sense.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• England were bowled out in both innings in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team survived so few balls in a defeat in a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth English opening batsman to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single practice game before the first Test, so the game in the capital would have provided much-needed time in the middle.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match provided experience with the day-night ball, as England set to face a rare day-night Test.

England have lost 5 of their seven previous pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia have won thirteen from 14.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia have the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the probable line-up in Brisbane, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a red-ball game with a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Position

Asked after the Perth match if England would alter preparations and send squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

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

Coach Brendon McCullum seemed to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We need to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to a fixed plan currently, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

McCullum continued that he was "sure" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

Speaking recently, ex-skipper a well-known figure said it would be "amateurish" to pass up the chance to participate in Canberra.

What harm is it playing two days of the game using the day-night ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan added:

It's hard to believe so old school to propose that by getting match practice they could become slightly improved?

My method is, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you go and grab it, make the most of it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

England are scheduled to fly to Brisbane midweek and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. Exists the chance of an extra practice at the weekend.