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England's key batsmen decided to miss a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, even after a devastating defeat in the first Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists lost within 48 hours in the first Test, creating an 11-day gap before the upcoming day-night Test in Queensland.

This gap opened up the possibility for players to join the development squad two-day day-night fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, only fast bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel to join the Lions.

Reports indicate that none of the Perth XI asked to participate in the capital fixture.

Former England Star Describes Move "Unusual"

Upon learning the team were considering dispatching squad members to Canberra for the development squad game, we assumed 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 during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding comes with the results.

Lost Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

The fixture with the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides down under.

England have played in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but it was not from their plans this time due to a potential short gap to the next Test if the first match gone the full duration.

The flight from Western Australia to Canberra takes just under four hours, with a further 120-minute journey between Canberra and Queensland.

However, considering the opening match was completed in just two days – the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of dispatching at least the batters to Canberra appeared to make sense.

Performance Issues in First Test

• England dismissed twice in Perth inside 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England survived such a low number of balls in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth English opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

England had just a single practice game prior to the Perth match, meaning the fixture in Canberra would have provided much-needed time in the middle.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Challenge Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered practice using the pink ball, as the team due to play a unusual pink-ball Test.

The tourists have lost 5 of their 7 previous day-nighters, while the hosts triumphed in thirteen from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, Australia have the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the probable line-up in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and fast bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match using a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Asked after the first Test whether the team would change preparations and send players to Canberra, the skipper remained firm they would not.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare thoroughly and train intensely every day to improve our game.

Coach Brendon McCullum appeared to suggest flexibility when he said:

We've just got to work out what the pros and cons are. We're not married to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide soon.

McCullum continued that he was "confident" a batsman would be allowed to participate in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan stated it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

What harm is it playing two days of the game using the day-night ball under lights?

He added:

It's hard to believe so old school to suggest that by getting match practice they might get a little bit better?

The approach I'd take is, you've got a pink-ball two-day game, 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 on Wednesday and do not plan to practice until Monday. There is the chance of an additional practice at the weekend.