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England's key batsmen have opted to avoid a day-night tour match in Canberra, despite a heavy defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England lost in under 48 hours in the first Test, creating an 11-day gap before the second day-night Test in Queensland.

The break opened up the chance for squad members to join the England Lions 48-hour day-night match against a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead, just pace bowlers Josh Tongue and another bowler, along with batter a young player – none of whom featured in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the Lions.

Sources suggest that none of the Perth players requested to participate in the Canberra fixture.

Former England Player Calls Move "Unusual"

When we heard England thought about sending players to Canberra for the England Lions match, it was expected it would be those requiring practice.

The former England fast bowler and chief cricket commentator added:

The team must take charge of how they prepare and how they perform during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot of winning the series. The proof of the pudding comes in the eating.

Lost Opportunity for Day-Night Experience

This match with the invitational side is a tradition for touring sides down under.

England have played in the game in previous series in Australia, but was left out from their plans this time because of a potential short gap to the next Test if the Perth Test had lasted the full duration.

The flight from Perth to Canberra takes almost 240 minutes, and a further 120-minute journey from Canberra to Brisbane.

Yet, given the opening match was completed so quickly – the first 48-hour Test in the series in over a century – the idea of dispatching some of the batsmen to Canberra seemed to make sense.

Batting Issues in First Test

• England were bowled out in both innings in Perth inside 67.3 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England faced such a low number of deliveries in losing a Test match.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• Zak Crawley was only the fourth England opening batsman to register a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

The side had just a single warm-up match prior to the first Test, meaning the fixture in Canberra could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match provided practice using the day-night ball, with the team set to face a rare day-night Test.

The tourists have lost five of their seven previous day-nighters, whereas the hosts triumphed in 13 from 14.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who took a ten-wicket haul in the first Test, the home side boast the top day-night specialist in the world.

Among the likely line-up in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a red-ball game using a pink ball, and Brydon Carse has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Questioned following the Perth match whether the team would change preparations and dispatch squad members to Canberra, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

This question has come up repeatedly, that was the method in the past. Our preparations incredibly well and work incredibly hard every day we get the opportunity.

Head coach the coach appeared to leave the door open 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 work it out soon.

The coach continued that he was "sure" a batsman could play in the capital should they wish.

Concerns from Former Captain

Speaking on Saturday, former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be "unprofessional" to decline the opportunity to play in the capital.

How could it hurt taking part in 48 hours of the game using the pink ball under lights?

He added:

I can't be so traditional to suggest that by getting match practice they might get a little bit better?

My method is, there's a day-night 48-hour match, you go and grab it, go and take it, play those two days and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

England are scheduled to fly to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to train until Monday. Exists the possibility of an additional training session on Sunday.