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England's main batters chose to skip a pink-ball practice game in the capital, even after a heavy defeat in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England suffered defeat in under 48 hours in the first Test, creating an 11-day gap before the upcoming day-night Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up the possibility for squad members to participate in the England Lions two-day day-night fixture versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the first Test – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

Sources suggest that none of the first-Test XI asked to participate in the capital match.

Ex- England Star Calls Decision "Unusual"

When we heard England thought about sending squad members to Canberra for the development squad game, we assumed they would send those in need of practice.

Ex- England paceman and lead analyst continued:

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

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

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

England have played in the game in previous series in Australia, but was left out from their plans on this occasion due to a potential short gap to the next Test had the Perth Test gone the full duration.

The flight from Western Australia to Canberra requires just under four hours, with a further two-hour flight between the capital and Queensland.

Yet, given the first Test was completed in just two days – marking the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the thought of dispatching at least the batsmen to the capital seemed to make sense.

Batting Issues in First Test

• England were bowled out in both innings in Perth in under 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England faced such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test match.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four England opening batsman to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

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

Uncommon Day-Night Test Coming Up

In addition, the development game would have offered experience with the pink ball, with the team set to face a unusual day-night Test.

England have lost 5 of their 7 prior pink-ball Tests, while Australia triumphed in 13 from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, the home side boast the top pink-ball bowler in the game.

Of England's likely XI in Brisbane, gloveman one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a first-class match with a pink ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Asked after the Perth match whether England would change preparations and dispatch players to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations incredibly well and train intensely whenever possible to improve our game.

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

We need to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll decide soon.

The coach added that he was "sure" a batsman could play in Canberra should they wish.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to play in Canberra.

What harm is it taking part in two days of cricket using the pink ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan added:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by getting match practice they could become a little bit better?

The approach I'd take would be, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and provide yourself the best chance.

The squad will travel to Brisbane midweek and are not scheduled to practice before the start of the week. There is the chance of an extra training session on Sunday.