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England's primary batters have opted to avoid a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, despite a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists were beaten within two days in the first Test, leaving an extended break ahead of the upcoming day-night Test in Queensland.

The break presented the option for players to participate in the England Lions 48-hour day-night fixture versus a Prime Minister's XI in the capital this weekend.

Instead, just pace bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batsman Jacob Bethell – all of whom featured in the first Test – are set to go to join the development squad.

It is understood that none of the first-Test XI requested to participate in the Canberra match.

Ex- England Star Describes Decision "Strange"

Upon learning England thought about sending players to the capital for the development squad match, it was expected they would send players requiring practice.

The former English paceman and lead analyst added:

The team must take charge of how they prepare 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.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

This match with the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams to Australia.

The tourists have played in the game in past series in Australia, but it was not from their plans this time because of a possible short gap to Brisbane if the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

The flight from Perth to Canberra takes almost four hours, and a additional 120-minute journey between the capital to Queensland.

However, considering the opening match finished so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series in over a century – the idea of sending some of the batsmen to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• The tourists dismissed in both innings in Perth 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.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth England opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single warm-up match before the first Test, meaning the fixture in Canberra could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

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

The tourists have lost 5 of their 7 prior pink-ball Tests, while the hosts have won 13 from 14.

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 line-up in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match using a pink ball, and a third has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Questioned after the first Test if England would change preparations and send squad members to the capital, the skipper remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done a long time ago. We prepare thoroughly and work 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're not married to any position currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

The coach added that he was "confident" a batter could play in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Former Captain

Speaking on Saturday, ex-skipper a well-known figure stated it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to participate in Canberra.

What harm is it playing 48 hours of the game using the day-night ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan continued:

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

The approach I'd take is, there's a day-night two-day game, 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 on Wednesday and do not plan to train before the start of the week. There is the chance of an extra practice on Sunday.