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The English key batters have opted to skip a pink-ball practice game in Canberra, even after a devastating loss in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

The tourists were beaten within 48 hours in Perth, leaving an 11-day break ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

This gap opened up the option for players to join the development squad two-day pink-ball match versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday.

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

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

Ex- English Player Describes Decision "Unusual"

When we heard England thought about dispatching squad members to the capital for the development squad match, it was expected it would be those requiring practice.

The former English fast bowler and chief cricket commentator continued:

England are responsible for their preparation and how they perform on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible of winning the Ashes. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Missed Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

This match against the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides down under.

England have played in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but it was not in their schedule on this occasion because of a possible tight turnaround to the next Test if the Perth Test had lasted all five days.

The flight from Perth to the capital takes almost four hours, with a further 120-minute flight between the capital to Queensland.

However, considering the opening match was completed so quickly – the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of sending at least the batters to the capital appeared to be logical.

Performance Issues in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out twice in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 has the team survived such a low number of deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four English opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes match.

England played only one warm-up match prior to the Perth match, so the game in Canberra would have provided much-needed time in the middle.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Ahead

In addition, the development game would have offered experience using the pink ball, with the team set to face a unusual pink-ball Test.

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

In pace bowler a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, the home side have the top day-night specialist in the world.

Among the likely XI in Brisbane, gloveman one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a red-ball game using a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Questioned following the first Test whether the team would change preparations and dispatch squad members to the capital, the skipper was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that's how it was done in the past. 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 haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

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

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "amateurish" to pass up the opportunity to participate in the capital.

What harm is it playing two days of the game using the pink ball in evening conditions?

Vaughan added:

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

The approach I'd take is, you've got a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday and do not plan to train until Monday. There is the chance of an extra practice at the weekend.