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The English key batsmen have opted to avoid a pink-ball tour match in the capital, even after a comprehensive defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England suffered defeat within two days in Perth, leaving an extended break ahead of the second pink-ball Test in Queensland.

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

However, just fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batsman a young player – all of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go to join the development squad.

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

Ex- English Star Describes Move "Strange"

When we heard the team were considering dispatching squad members to Canberra for the development squad match, we assumed it would be players requiring practice.

The former English paceman and lead analyst added:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and their performances during matches. They are responsible for doing everything possible of winning the series. The real test comes in the eating.

Lost Chance for Day-Night Experience

The fixture against the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides to Australia.

The tourists participated in the game in past series in Australia, but was left out from their plans this time due to a possible short gap to the next Test had the first match had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital takes almost 240 minutes, and a additional two-hour journey between the capital to Brisbane.

Yet, given the opening match was completed in just two days – marking the first two-day Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of sending some of the batsmen to Canberra appeared to make sense.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• The tourists dismissed in both innings in the first Test inside 67.3 overs.
• Not since the early 1900s has the team faced so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root failed to reach 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener was one of just four England opener to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

England had just a single practice game before the Perth match, so the game in the capital would have provided valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Ahead

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered practice using the day-night ball, with England due to play a rare pink-ball Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts triumphed in 13 from 14.

In pace bowler a key bowler, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, Australia boast the top day-night specialist in the world.

Of England's likely line-up in Brisbane, gloveman Jamie Smith and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match with a pink ball, while a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Position

Questioned after the first Test if the team would alter preparations and dispatch squad members to Canberra, the skipper remained firm they would not.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method 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 said:

We need to work out what the pros and cons are. We're not married to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

The coach added that he was "confident" a batter could play in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking recently, ex-skipper a well-known figure stated it would be "unprofessional" to decline the chance to participate in Canberra.

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

He continued:

It's hard to believe so old school to suggest that by playing cricket they could become slightly improved?

The approach I'd take is, 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 best chance.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to practice until Monday. Exists the chance of an additional training session on Sunday.