A fan perspective of why England Cricket failed in the Gabba test.
The Formula 1 Pole Position is equivalent to the team selection and right decision made on winning the toss in Cricket. England played a negative tactics by selecting Leach for Broad. The last time Jimmy and Broad sat out for a Ashes test together was way back in 2006.
England won the toss and didn’t play to their strength which is bowling. Any team would choose to bowl if there is a tint of green in Australia or in England pitches. They seem to have relied on too much of stats from the past and lost focus of being in the present.
On day 1, the English team played under pressure without any attack especially when they lost quick wickets. A player needs an attitude of Viv Richards in the Gabba and make use of the bounce with a calculated risk. It reminds be of Pant and Washington Sundar’s attack. It was too late for Butler and Woakes to mend with an attack when most of the soldiers were wounded. The mental block of “lost the plot” feeling hit very hard at them. When arch rivals play, the team that take control early win the battle.
Day 2 - Dropped catches and run outs helped Aussies to take the helm and steer out of trouble. Head attacked very well scoring a century and also to keep the scoring rate above 4 per over. Their aim was evident to attack and they executed well with courage.
Day 3 - England’s resilience was excellent. Exactly the way the fans would expect from the Ashes. A beautiful contest was was on the cards at the end of the day 3.
Day 4 - England added just 77 runs to the previous day and lost eight wickets. The resilience build was shattered like castle of cards. It is a long time since we have witnessed a England come back wounded to win a match overseas.
Australia executed their plan very well. Starting from attacking legs of Rory Burns, squaring up Stokes and many more set piece attacks. This was evident in their pointing fingers during their celebration of every wicket.
Pat Cummins seem to have natural leadership skills and handled the The Ashes opener very well. It is too early to state on his leadership skills but it is a good start in the right direction.
The expectation is , the return of Jimmy and Broad will fuel the fire of the Ashes for a bounce back. A big hope.
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