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The English main batsmen have opted to avoid a pink-ball practice game in the capital, even after a heavy defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England suffered defeat within two days in the first Test, leaving an extended gap before the upcoming day-night Test in Brisbane.

The break presented the chance for players to participate in the development squad 48-hour day-night match against a invitational side in Canberra this weekend.

However, just pace bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, along with batter Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

It is understood that not one of the first-Test XI asked to participate in the Canberra match.

Former English Star Describes Move "Unusual"

Upon learning the team thought about dispatching squad members to the capital for the development squad game, it was expected they would send those requiring practice.

Ex- England paceman and chief cricket commentator continued:

The team are responsible for their preparation and how they perform on the field. They are responsible for doing everything possible to win the Ashes. The proof of the pudding will be with the results.

Missed Chance for Day-Night Experience

The fixture against the invitational side has long been customary for visiting teams to Australia.

The tourists have played in the fixture in previous Ashes tours, but it was not from their plans on this occasion due to a possible short gap to the next Test if the first match gone the full duration.

Travel from Perth to Canberra requires almost 240 minutes, with a further two-hour journey between Canberra to Brisbane.

However, considering the opening match finished in just two days – marking the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921 – the thought of dispatching some of the batters to Canberra seemed to make sense.

Batting Struggles in First Test

• England dismissed in both innings in Perth in under 67.3 overs.
• It's been since the early 1900s have England survived so few deliveries in losing a Test match.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make double figures in both innings.
• The opener was one of just four English opening batsman to register a pair in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single warm-up match prior to the Perth match, meaning the fixture in Canberra could have offered valuable time in the middle.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Test Ahead

In addition, the development game would have offered experience using the pink ball, as England set to face a rare pink-ball Test.

England have lost five of their seven prior pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts triumphed in 13 from 14.

With a key bowler, who took a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, Australia boast the top pink-ball bowler in the game.

Among the likely XI in the next Test, gloveman Jamie Smith and fast bowler another are yet to experience a first-class match using a day-night ball, while Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Questioned following the Perth match if the team would alter their plans and send players to Canberra, the skipper was adamant they would not.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method in the past. Our preparations incredibly well and work intensely every day we get the opportunity.

Head coach the coach seemed to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We need to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to a fixed plan currently, but we'll decide in a couple of days.

McCullum added that he was "sure" a batter could play in Canberra if he wanted to.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Commenting on Saturday, former captain a well-known figure stated it would be "unprofessional" to decline the chance to play in Canberra.

How could it hurt taking part in two days of the game using the pink ball in evening conditions?

He added:

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

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.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland on Wednesday and are not scheduled to train before the start of the week. There is the chance of an extra practice at the weekend.