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England's key batters decided to avoid a day-night practice game in the capital, even after a heavy loss in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists were beaten in under two days in the first Test, creating an extended gap before the second pink-ball Test in Queensland.

This gap opened up the possibility for players to participate in the development squad 48-hour pink-ball match against a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

However, just pace bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batsman a young player – none of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel to join the development squad.

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

Former England Star Calls Move "Bizarre"

Upon learning the team thought about sending squad members to the capital for the development squad game, we assumed they would send players requiring practice.

The former English fast bowler and lead analyst added:

The team must take charge of their preparation and their performances on the field. It's their job to giving it their best shot to win the series. The proof of the pudding comes with the results.

Lost Chance for Day-Night Practice

The fixture against the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides down under.

England have played in the game in previous series in Australia, but it was not from their plans this time because of a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane if the Perth Test gone the full duration.

The flight from Perth to Canberra takes just under four hours, and a additional two-hour flight from Canberra and Brisbane.

However, given the first Test finished so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of dispatching at least the batters to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Batting Struggles in First Test

• England dismissed twice in Perth in under 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England faced such a low number of deliveries in a defeat in a Test match.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley became only the fourth England opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes match.

The side had just a single warm-up match before the Perth match, so the game in Canberra could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Ahead

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered experience using the day-night ball, as England due to play a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in 5 of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, while the hosts triumphed in 13 from fourteen.

With a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side boast the best pink-ball bowler in the game.

Of England's likely XI in the next Test, gloveman one player and pace bowler another have never played a first-class match using a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Position

Questioned following the first Test if the team would change their plans and dispatch players to the capital, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked a lot, that was the method a long time ago. We prepare incredibly well and train intensely every day to improve our game.

Head 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 at the moment, but we'll work it out soon.

The coach continued that he was "sure" a batsman could play in Canberra should they wish.

Criticism from Ex-Skipper

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

What harm is it taking part in 48 hours of the game using the pink ball in evening conditions?

He continued:

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

My method would be, there's a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

England are scheduled to fly to Brisbane on Wednesday and are not scheduled to train until Monday. Exists the chance of an additional training session at the weekend.