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The English key batters decided to miss a day-night tour match in Canberra, even after a devastating defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

The tourists lost within 48 hours in Perth, leaving an extended gap before the second pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

The break opened up the possibility for players to join the England Lions two-day day-night fixture versus a Prime Minister's XI in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, just pace bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batter a young player – all of whom featured in the first Test – will travel to join the Lions.

Sources suggest that none of the Perth players asked to participate in the Canberra match.

Ex- English Star Calls Decision "Unusual"

Upon learning England were considering sending players to Canberra for the development squad match, we assumed they would send players requiring practice.

The former English fast bowler and lead analyst added:

England are responsible for how they prepare and how they perform during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the Ashes. The real test will be in the eating.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

This match with the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for visiting teams to Australia.

England have played in the fixture in past series in Australia, but it was not from their plans this time due to a potential short gap to the next Test had the first match had lasted all five days.

The flight from Perth to the capital requires almost 240 minutes, and a additional 120-minute journey between the capital to Queensland.

Yet, given the first Test was completed in just two days – the first two-day Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of dispatching at least the batters to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• England were bowled out twice in the first Test in under 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team faced so few deliveries in losing a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in either innings.
• The opener became one of just four England opening batsman to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one practice game prior to the first Test, so the fixture in the capital would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Ahead

In addition, the development game provided practice with the pink ball, with the team due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their seven previous pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts have won 13 from 14.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia boast the best day-night specialist in the world.

Of England's likely line-up in Brisbane, gloveman one player and fast bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match using a pink ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Leadership Position

Asked after the Perth match whether the team would alter preparations and dispatch players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare thoroughly and work intensely whenever possible we get the opportunity.

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

We've just got to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to any position at the moment, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

McCullum continued that he was "confident" a batter could play in Canberra should they wish.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking on Saturday, former captain a well-known figure stated it would be "amateurish" to decline the opportunity to play in the capital.

What harm is it playing two days of cricket with the day-night ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan continued:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by playing cricket they might get slightly improved?

The approach I'd take would be, you've got a pink-ball 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 Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to train until Monday. Exists the possibility of an additional practice at the weekend.