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England's main batsmen have opted to skip a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, even after a devastating defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists were beaten in under two days in the first Test, leaving an 11-day gap before the second pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the option for players to participate in the England Lions two-day pink-ball match versus a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom played in the first Test – will travel to join the Lions.

Reports indicate that none of the Perth players requested to play in the capital match.

Ex- England Player Describes Move "Strange"

Upon learning England thought about sending players to Canberra for the England Lions game, it was expected it would be players in need of match time.

Ex- English paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

England must take charge of their preparation and their performances on the field. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the series. The real test 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 fixture in past Ashes tours, but was left out in their schedule this time due to a potential tight turnaround to Brisbane if the Perth Test gone all five days.

Travel from Perth to Canberra takes just under four hours, and a further two-hour flight between Canberra to Brisbane.

Yet, considering the first Test was completed in just two days – the first two-day Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of sending at least the batsmen to the capital seemed to be logical.

Batting Issues in Perth

• England dismissed in both innings in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England faced such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was one of just four England opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England played only one warm-up match before the Perth match, meaning the game in the capital could have offered valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Coming Up

In addition, the Lions match would have offered experience with the day-night ball, as the team due to play a unusual pink-ball Test.

England have lost five of their seven previous pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts have won thirteen from fourteen.

With Mitchell Starc, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, the home side boast the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's probable XI in Brisbane, wicketkeeper one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match with a day-night ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Position

Asked after the first Test whether England would change preparations and send players to the capital, the skipper was adamant they would not.

This question has come up a lot, that was the method in the past. We prepare incredibly well and work intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

Head coach the coach appeared to suggest flexibility when he said:

We need to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll decide soon.

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

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking recently, former captain a well-known figure stated it would be "amateurish" to pass up the opportunity to play in Canberra.

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

He continued:

I can't be so old school to suggest that by playing cricket they might get a little bit better?

The approach I'd take is, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you go and grab it, make the most of it, play those two days 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. Exists the chance of an additional practice at the weekend.