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England's key batters decided to miss a day-night tour match in the capital, even after a comprehensive loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists lost in under two days in the first Test, creating an extended gap before the second day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the chance for players to participate in the England Lions two-day day-night match versus a invitational side in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the first Test – will travel and link up with the development squad.

Sources suggest that not one of the first-Test XI requested to participate in the capital match.

Ex- England Player Calls Decision "Unusual"

When we heard England were considering dispatching squad members to Canberra for the England Lions game, it was expected they would send those in need of practice.

The former England paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

England are responsible for their preparation and how they perform on the field. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the series. The real test will be with the results.

Lost Chance for Day-Night Experience

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

The tourists participated in the fixture in past series in Australia, but was left out from their plans on this occasion due to a possible tight turnaround to the next Test had the first match gone all five days.

Travel from Perth to the capital requires just under four hours, and a additional 120-minute flight from Canberra and Brisbane.

Yet, given the opening match was completed so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Ashes Test since 1921 – the idea of sending some of the batsmen to Canberra appeared to make sense.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• England dismissed twice in the first Test in under 68 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England faced such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test.
• Both the skipper and ex-skipper failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• The opener was one of just four England opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

England played only one warm-up match before the Perth match, meaning the fixture in Canberra could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Challenge Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match provided practice with the pink ball, as England set to face a unusual day-night Test.

England been defeated in five of their 7 previous day-nighters, whereas the hosts have won 13 from fourteen.

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

Of England's likely line-up in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a red-ball game with a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Asked following the Perth match if the team would alter preparations and dispatch squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method in the past. We prepare thoroughly and train intensely every day we get the opportunity.

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

We need to work out what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to any position at the moment, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

The coach continued that he was "sure" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

How could it hurt playing two days of the game with the pink ball under lights?

Vaughan continued:

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

My method is, you've got a pink-ball two-day game, you go and grab it, make the most of it, participate fully and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad will travel to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. Exists the possibility of an additional practice at the weekend.