Ashes to Ashes, Brisbane setback puts England under pressure

Monday, 13 December 2021 02:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

MELBOURNE (REUTERS): Outplayed with bat, ball and in the field in the series-opening Ashes test, England have little time to regroup before the second day-night clash starts at Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

Changes loom after pace stalwarts James Anderson and Stuart Broad were rested for the Gabba, a ploy that backfired as spinner Jack Leach was hit out of the attack and back-up seamers Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes were largely ineffective.

Fixing England’s batting in four days ahead of a second Australian pace onslaught is another task altogether, with Captain Joe Root again left wanting for support in Brisbane.

Root’s decision to bat first on a grassy wicket after winning the toss in muggy, overcast weather did his batsmen few favours after they were left with virtually no practice due to poor weather.

Being skittled for 147 in the first innings was evidence of a lack of preparation for the Gabba’s bounce.

“Managing the bounce on this wicket is something that we didn’t do well enough,” said Root.

“We nicked balls not because of lateral movements on occasions but because of extra bounce, playing slightly away from ourselves. Whereas, in our own conditions we don’t face that.”

England’s opening combination remains a worry, with Rory Burns bowled for a duck with the first ball of the series and managing 13 in the second innings.

Australia’s record after winning Ashes tests in Brisbane may also deflate optimistic England fans. The last time the hosts lost an Ashes after winning in Brisbane was the 1954/55 series.

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