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The English main batsmen have opted to miss a pink-ball tour match in the capital, despite a heavy loss in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists were beaten within 48 hours in Perth, leaving an extended break before the upcoming day-night Test in Queensland.

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

However, only pace bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom featured in the first Test – will travel and link up with the development squad.

Sources suggest that none of the first-Test players requested to participate in the capital match.

Ex- England Player Describes Decision "Unusual"

Upon learning the team were considering dispatching players to Canberra for the development squad match, it was expected they would send those requiring practice.

Ex- English paceman and lead analyst continued:

England must take charge of their preparation and their performances during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the series. The proof of the pudding comes with the results.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Experience

The fixture with the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for touring sides to Australia.

England participated in the game in previous Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans this time due to a possible tight turnaround to Brisbane if the first match had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Perth to Canberra requires just under 240 minutes, and a further two-hour flight between the capital to Queensland.

Yet, given the opening match was completed in just two days – marking the first 48-hour Ashes Test in over a century – the idea of sending at least the batsmen to the capital appeared to be logical.

Performance Struggles in First Test

• The tourists dismissed in both innings in the first Test in under 68 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England survived such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test.
• Each of the skipper and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four English opener to register a pair in an Ashes match.

England had just a single practice game prior to the first Test, meaning the fixture in the capital would have provided much-needed time in the middle.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Ahead

In addition, the Lions match would have offered practice using the pink ball, as the team set to face a unusual day-night Test.

England been defeated in five of their seven prior day-nighters, whereas the hosts have won 13 from 14.

With a key bowler, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side have the best day-night specialist in the game.

Of England's likely line-up in Brisbane, gloveman Jamie Smith and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match with a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Team Management Position

Asked after the Perth match whether the team would change their plans and send players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method a long time ago. We prepare thoroughly and train intensely every day to improve our game.

Head coach the coach seemed to leave the door open when he stated:

We've just got to work out what the pros and cons are. We haven't committed to a fixed plan currently, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

McCullum added that he was "sure" a batter would be allowed to participate in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "amateurish" to pass up the opportunity to play in the capital.

How could it hurt playing 48 hours of cricket using the day-night ball in evening conditions?

He continued:

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

My method would be, there's a pink-ball two-day game, you go and grab it, go and take it, play those two days and give yourself the optimal preparation.

England will travel to Queensland on Wednesday and are not scheduled to practice before the start of the week. There is the chance of an additional training session on Sunday.