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

England suffered defeat within 48 hours in Perth, leaving an extended gap before the upcoming day-night Test in Brisbane.

This gap presented the possibility for squad members to join the development squad two-day pink-ball fixture versus a invitational side in the capital this weekend.

However, just fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the first Test – are set to go and link up with the Lions.

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

Former English Player Calls Move "Unusual"

Upon learning the team were considering sending squad members to Canberra for the England Lions match, it was expected it would be players requiring practice.

The former England paceman and lead analyst added:

The team are responsible for their preparation and how they perform during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the Ashes. The real test will be in the eating.

Missed Chance for Pink-Ball Practice

This match with the Prime Minister's XI is a tradition for touring sides down under.

England have played in the fixture in previous series in Australia, but was left out from their plans this time because of a potential short gap to the next Test if the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

The flight from Perth to the capital takes just under 240 minutes, and a additional two-hour journey between Canberra to Queensland.

However, given the opening match finished so quickly – marking the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the idea of dispatching at least the batsmen to the capital seemed to make sense.

Batting Struggles in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England faced so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test match.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley became only the fourth England opening batsman to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side had just a single practice game prior to the Perth match, so the fixture in the capital would have provided much-needed time in the middle.

Rare Pink-Ball Challenge Ahead

In addition, the development game would have offered practice with the pink ball, as England set to face a rare day-night Test.

England have lost five of their 7 previous day-nighters, whereas Australia have won thirteen from fourteen.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in Perth, the home side have the best day-night specialist in the game.

Of England's probable line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a red-ball game using a day-night ball, and a third has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Asked following the Perth match whether England would change their plans and dispatch players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes remained firm they would not.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method a long time ago. Our preparations incredibly well and train intensely whenever possible to improve our game.

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

We need to work out 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 "sure" a batter would be allowed to participate in the capital if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting recently, former captain a well-known figure said it would be "amateurish" to pass up the chance to play in the capital.

How could it hurt taking part in 48 hours of cricket with the pink ball in evening conditions?

He added:

I can't be so traditional to propose that by playing cricket they might get a little bit better?

My method would be, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you go and grab it, go and take it, play those two days and give yourself the optimal preparation.

England will travel to Brisbane midweek and do not plan to practice before the start of the week. Exists the possibility of an extra practice on Sunday.