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

The tourists were beaten in under 48 hours in Perth, leaving an extended break before the second day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap opened up the option for players to join the England Lions 48-hour day-night fixture versus a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

Instead, just fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the first Test – will travel to join the development squad.

Reports indicate that not one of the first-Test players requested to participate in the Canberra match.

Former England Player Calls Move "Strange"

When we heard the team thought about dispatching players to the capital for the England Lions game, it was expected they would send those in need of match time.

The former English paceman and lead analyst continued:

England must take charge of their preparation and their performances on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible to win the series. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

The fixture with the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams to Australia.

The tourists participated in the fixture in previous series in Australia, but it was not in their schedule this time because of a possible tight turnaround to the next Test if the Perth Test had lasted all five days.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital requires just under 240 minutes, and a additional two-hour flight between the capital to Queensland.

However, given the opening match was completed so quickly – the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the idea of dispatching at least the batters to the capital appeared to make sense.

Batting Struggles in First Test

• England were bowled out twice in the first Test inside 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team survived so few balls in losing a Test match.
• Each of the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four English opener to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

England played only one practice game before the first Test, so the fixture in Canberra could have offered much-needed time in the middle.

Rare Pink-Ball Test Ahead

In addition, the Lions match provided experience using the day-night ball, with England due to play a rare day-night Test.

The tourists have lost 5 of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, whereas Australia triumphed in 13 from 14.

With a key bowler, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, Australia have the top pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the likely line-up in Brisbane, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match using a pink ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Team Management Position

Asked after the first Test whether England would change preparations and dispatch squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that's how it was done a long time ago. Our preparations thoroughly and work incredibly hard whenever possible to improve our game.

Head coach Brendon McCullum appeared to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We've just got to determine what the pros and cons are. We're not married to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

McCullum added that he was "sure" a batter could play in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to participate in Canberra.

What harm is it taking part in 48 hours of the game with the day-night ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan added:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they could become a little bit better?

My method is, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the best chance.

England are scheduled to fly to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to practice before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an extra training session at the weekend.