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England's key batters have opted to miss a pink-ball tour match in the capital, despite a comprehensive loss in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England were beaten in under two days in Perth, creating an extended gap ahead of the second day-night Test in Brisbane.

The break presented the possibility 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 Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, along with batter a young player – none of whom featured in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the development squad.

Reports indicate that not one of the Perth players requested to participate in the capital match.

Former England Star Describes Move "Strange"

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

The former English paceman and lead analyst added:

The team are responsible for how they prepare and how they perform during matches. They are responsible for giving it their best shot to win the Ashes. The real test comes with the results.

Missed Opportunity for Pink-Ball Practice

This match with the invitational side is a tradition for visiting teams down under.

The tourists participated in the fixture in past series in Australia, but was left out from their plans this time because of a possible short gap to the next Test if the first match had lasted the full duration.

Travel from Western Australia to the capital requires just under 240 minutes, and a further two-hour journey between the capital to Queensland.

However, given the first Test finished so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of dispatching at least the batsmen to the capital appeared to make sense.

Performance Struggles in Perth

• England were bowled out twice in Perth inside 68 overs.
• Not since 1904 have England faced such a low number of deliveries in a defeat in a Test.
• Both captain Ben Stokes and former captain Joe Root failed to reach double figures in both innings.
• Zak Crawley was one of just four English opener to record a duck in both innings in an Ashes Test.

England had just a single warm-up match prior to the Perth match, meaning the fixture in the capital could have offered much-needed batting practice.

Uncommon Pink-Ball Test Ahead

In addition, the development game provided experience using the pink ball, as the team due to play a unusual day-night Test.

England have lost five of their seven prior day-nighters, while the hosts have won thirteen from 14.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in the first Test, Australia have the best day-night specialist in the game.

Of England's likely XI in the next Test, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a first-class match using a pink ball, and a third has played only one.

Team Management Position

Questioned after the Perth match if England would alter their plans and send squad members to the capital, the skipper remained firm in refusing.

This question has come up a lot, that's how it was done in the past. We prepare incredibly well and work incredibly hard whenever possible to improve our game.

Head coach the coach appeared to leave the door open when he stated:

We need to work out the advantages and disadvantages. We haven't committed to any position at the moment, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

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, ex-skipper 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 continued:

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

My method would be, there's a pink-ball 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, play those two days and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

England will travel to Brisbane midweek and do not plan to train until Monday. Exists the possibility of an extra practice at the weekend.