I was listening to the tms podcast. They made some interesting/sad/accurate observations.
Over one third of the Australian runs went through third man. It didn’t sound like we had one.
Only 5% of England’s deliveries would have hit the stúmps.
England players came off shattered, they are not match fit as they haven’t played any matches. Playing 4 or 5 day matches is very tiring, you cannot prepare for that by having a few nets, let alone not having time in the middle. ( I think all/most of the Aussies have been playing domestic cricket).
Jamie Smith has never played a pink ball match before. Missed two chances and bowled second ball.
Glenn McGrath was not sure whether our bowlers didn’t have the ability to bowl accurately/consistently or just don’t have the patience for it. But no ability to create pressure. Wickets are statistically more likely after maidens and dot balls.
Hopefully I will wake up tomorrow to some better news, or will Australia still be batting? Lol.
I think preparation will be debated after this series but in truth the congested calendar now makes it very hard to fit in any 1st class games in Australia prior to a series as of old. The same is is true when Australia visit England.
I think these changes, the pink ball, the climate etc are all why it is the hardest place in the world to win an away Test. What bothers me most is that I genuinely think there have been opportunities for England with Cummins/Hazlewood out and an Aussie team that is far from vintage but England have been wasteful, slapdash and downright stupid at times. I wish I thought it will change.
Well, it’s going to be a very uphill battle to get something from this game. And England can’t blame this strip, as the Aussies have shown it’s a decent track.
Rather sadly Pete it is starting to feel like the series is all but over already as a competitive spectacle. I really hope not, but the broadcaster over here in the U.K. must now be tearing their hair out. Keeping my fingers crossed though that our batsmen finally dig in for the second innings. When it eventually comes.
I think it has ingrained that Plan A is the only way, whatever the conditions and the match situation. Criticism means you are a ‘non-believer’ so can be ignored. It applies to preparation, training and selection too.
When England finally bat in the gloom I think I will be watching from behind the sofa.
The bowlers and fielders have tried to tire Starc.
This has been a pretty weak performance in the field, the batting total wasn’t bad but not appalling, letting Australia get over 500 was worse for me. I hope they use Jacks a lot in the second innings (assuming Aus need to bat again), otherwise this was a totally misjudged selection.
I think that talent-wise the media and others think that England’s team is full of quality talent given some of the other Bazball results, but I see a team lacking in batting technique, approach and discipline, also shorn of consistent bowlers. Root gets runs, England get runs……not as many as they should.
Within a very few words, if they won’t apply themselves, why should the spectators, flat screen or in person.
Pope forcing it, trying to hit the ball rather than nudge it. ‘Dizzy’ Gillespie called it a few minutes before. Duckett unlucky with one that kept very low.
So noticeable how few runs are being scored behind square on either side of the wicket. Consistently fuller lengths from Australia (have they bowled a single bouncer yet?) but also England always looking to play through the ‘v’. Risky.