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England's primary batters have opted to skip a day-night practice game in Canberra, despite a heavy loss in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England suffered defeat within two days in Perth, leaving an 11-day break before the second day-night Test in Queensland.

The break opened up the chance for players to participate in the development squad 48-hour day-night fixture versus a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, just fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, along with batter a young player – all of whom played in the first Test – are set to go to join the development squad.

Reports indicate that not one of the Perth XI asked to play in the Canberra fixture.

Former England Player Calls Move "Unusual"

When we heard the team thought about dispatching squad members to the capital for the England Lions match, it was expected it would be those in need of practice.

The former England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator added:

England are responsible for their preparation and how they perform on the field. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

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

England participated in the game in previous Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans on this occasion due to a potential tight turnaround to Brisbane if the Perth Test gone the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital takes almost 240 minutes, and a further 120-minute journey between the capital and Queensland.

Yet, given the opening match was completed in just two days – the first 48-hour Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of sending at least the batters to Canberra appeared to be logical.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in Perth inside 68 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s has the team faced so few balls in losing a Test match.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in either innings.
• The opener was one of just four English opening batsman to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes match.

England had just a single practice game prior to the Perth match, so the game in Canberra would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Challenge Ahead

Furthermore, the development game would have offered experience with the day-night ball, with the team due to play a rare day-night Test.

The tourists been defeated in five of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, while Australia have won thirteen from 14.

With 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 line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a red-ball game using a pink ball, while a third has played only one.

Team Management Stance

Asked following the first Test if the team would change their plans and dispatch players to Canberra, the skipper was adamant they would not.

I've been asked a lot, that's how it was done a long time ago. Our preparations incredibly well and train intensely every day we get the opportunity.

Coach the coach appeared 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 any position currently, but we'll work it out soon.

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

Criticism from Former Captain

Speaking recently, ex-skipper a well-known figure stated it would be "amateurish" to pass up the chance to participate in the capital.

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

Vaughan continued:

It's hard to believe so old school to suggest that by getting match practice they could become a little bit better?

My method would be, you've got a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, go and take it, participate fully and give yourself the best chance.

England will travel to Queensland midweek and do not plan to practice until Monday. Exists the chance of an extra training session on Sunday.