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England's key batters decided to skip a pink-ball practice game in the capital, even after a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists lost within 48 hours in the first Test, creating an extended break before the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the option for squad members to join the England Lions two-day pink-ball match against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital this weekend.

Instead, just fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the development squad.

It is understood that not one of the Perth players requested to participate in the capital match.

Ex- English Player Calls Decision "Unusual"

When we heard England thought about sending squad members to Canberra for the development squad match, it was expected it would be players in need of practice.

The former England paceman and lead analyst added:

England must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform during matches. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the series. The real test comes in the eating.

Missed Chance for Day-Night Experience

The fixture against the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams down under.

England have played in the game in past Ashes tours, but it was not from their plans this time due to a potential tight turnaround to Brisbane if the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Perth to Canberra takes almost 240 minutes, and a further two-hour journey between Canberra and Brisbane.

Yet, given the opening match finished in just two days – the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of sending some of the batsmen to the capital appeared to be logical.

Batting Issues in Perth

• England dismissed in both innings in the first Test in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England faced such a low number of deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• The opener was only the fourth English opener to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side had just a single warm-up match before the Perth match, so the game in the capital could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Rare Pink-Ball Challenge Ahead

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered practice using the day-night ball, with England set to face a rare day-night Test.

England have lost five of their seven previous day-nighters, while Australia triumphed in thirteen from 14.

With a key bowler, who claimed 10 wickets in Perth, Australia have the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Of England's likely line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler another have never played a red-ball game with a day-night ball, and a third has played only one.

Leadership Position

Questioned following the Perth match if the team would alter their plans and dispatch squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes remained firm they would not.

I've been asked a lot, that was the method a long time ago. We prepare incredibly well and train incredibly hard whenever possible we get the opportunity.

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

We need to work out what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

The coach added that he was "sure" a batsman could play in the capital if he wanted to.

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking recently, ex-skipper a well-known figure stated it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to play in the capital.

What harm is it taking part in 48 hours of cricket using the day-night ball under lights?

He continued:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by getting match practice they could become slightly improved?

My method is, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to practice before the start of the week. There is the possibility of an extra training session at the weekend.