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England's main batters have opted to avoid a pink-ball tour match in Canberra, despite a devastating defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists were beaten in under two days in the first Test, leaving an 11-day gap ahead of the upcoming day-night Test in Queensland.

This gap opened up the possibility for squad members to join the development squad two-day day-night fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, only pace bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel to join the Lions.

Sources suggest that none of the first-Test XI requested to play in the Canberra fixture.

Former England Player Describes Move "Unusual"

Upon learning England thought about sending squad members to the capital for the England Lions game, it was expected they would send those in need of practice.

Ex- English fast bowler and lead analyst continued:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible of winning the Ashes. The proof of the pudding comes in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Experience

The fixture with the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for visiting teams to Australia.

England have played in the game in previous Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion because of a potential tight turnaround to Brisbane if the Perth Test had lasted all five days.

Travel from Perth to Canberra takes just under four hours, and a additional two-hour journey from Canberra to Queensland.

However, given the first Test finished in just two days – the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the idea of sending at least the batters to Canberra appeared to make sense.

Batting Issues in Perth

• England were bowled out twice in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s has the team faced so few balls in losing a Test.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener was only the fourth England opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one practice game prior to the Perth match, so the fixture in the capital could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Rare Day-Night Challenge Ahead

In addition, the Lions match provided experience with the pink ball, with the team due to play a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists have lost five of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts have won 13 from 14.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, Australia have the best day-night specialist in the world.

Among the likely line-up in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler another have never played a red-ball game using a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Position

Questioned following the Perth match if England would alter preparations and dispatch squad members to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations thoroughly and train intensely every day we get the opportunity.

Coach Brendon McCullum appeared to leave the door open when he stated:

We need to determine the advantages and disadvantages. We're not married to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

McCullum added that he was "confident" a batsman would be allowed to participate in the capital if he wanted to.

Criticism from Former Captain

Commenting recently, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to play in Canberra.

How could it hurt playing two days of the game using the day-night ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan added:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by getting match practice they might get a little bit better?

The approach I'd take is, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you go and grab it, make the most of it, play those two days and provide yourself the best chance.

England are scheduled to fly to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. Exists the chance of an additional training session at the weekend.