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The English key batsmen have opted to avoid a day-night tour match in Canberra, even after a comprehensive loss in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England were beaten within two days in the first Test, leaving an extended break before the upcoming pink-ball Test in Queensland.

The break presented the possibility for squad members to join the England Lions two-day day-night fixture versus a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra this weekend.

However, only fast bowlers one bowler and another bowler, along with batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom featured in the first Test – are set to go to join the Lions.

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

Ex- English Star Calls Decision "Unusual"

When we heard the team were considering sending squad members to Canberra for the England Lions game, it was expected they would send players requiring match time.

The former English paceman and lead analyst continued:

The team are responsible for their preparation and how they perform on the field. It's their job to giving it their best shot to win the series. The proof of the pudding comes with the results.

Lost Opportunity for Pink-Ball Experience

This match against the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams down under.

England have played in the game in past series in Australia, but it was not from their plans this time because of a possible tight turnaround to the next Test if the first match had lasted all five days.

Travel from Perth to the capital takes almost four hours, with a additional two-hour journey from the capital to Queensland.

However, given the first Test finished so quickly – the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of sending some of the batsmen to Canberra seemed to make sense.

Batting Struggles in Perth

• England dismissed in both innings in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England faced so few balls in losing a Test match.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in both innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four England opening batsman to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one practice game before the first Test, meaning the fixture in the capital would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Ahead

In addition, the Lions match provided practice with the pink ball, as England due to play a unusual pink-ball Test.

The tourists have lost five of their seven previous pink-ball Tests, while Australia triumphed in thirteen from 14.

With a key bowler, who claimed a ten-wicket haul in Perth, Australia boast the top day-night specialist in the world.

Among the likely XI in the next Test, gloveman one player and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are yet to experience a red-ball game using a pink ball, and a third has just a single appearance.

Leadership Stance

Questioned after the first Test if England would alter preparations and send squad members to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes remained firm they would not.

I've been asked a lot, that was the method in the past. We prepare thoroughly and work incredibly hard every day to improve our game.

Coach Brendon McCullum appeared to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We need to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to any position currently, but we'll work it out soon.

The coach continued that he was "confident" 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 "unprofessional" to pass up the chance to play in Canberra.

What harm is it taking part in two days of the game using the day-night ball in evening conditions?

He added:

I can't be so traditional to propose that by getting match practice they could become a little bit better?

My method is, you've got a day-night 48-hour match, you go and grab it, make the most of it, participate fully and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad will travel to Queensland on Wednesday and do not plan to train until Monday. Exists the chance of an additional practice at the weekend.