Where do England go from here? The Ashes are slipping through their grasp following defeat in the second Test, despite a moment’s of rare optimism that not surprisingly proved completely unfounded in the end.
Somehow, heading into the final day’s play, England had put themselves into a position to pull of one of their greatest ever victories. Having been dominated for the first three days, to follow a first Test loss in which they were never truly looked capable of winning, England suddenly gave themselves a glimmer in Adelaide.
Steve Smith’s shock decision not to enforce the follow on, saw England’s previously inept bowling attack somehow come to life as they took four quick wickets to see out day three, having suffered the all too predictable batting collapse earlier on. They continued to run through Australia at the beginning of day four, finally giving their brilliant support something to shout about, with the hosts out for 138.
It meant England had an, at first, seemingly unrealistic 354 to win. It was going to take a world record chase. However, battling through the night conditions to see off some ferocious bowling, England finally looked up for the fight. The openers combined for a 50 and then captain Joe Root, ably supported by Dawid Malan, looked in resolute mood to reach 67 not out at the close of play.
The Barmy Army mocked Smith and sensed blood. England had a chance. But just as night follows day, English hope is followed by an inevitable collapse. There will be regrets across the country this morning for those who excitedly ignored all thoughts of tiredness and set a 3.30am alarm, to see if England could produce one seriously world class fight back.
Nightwatchman Chris Woakes, one of few players to emerge from this Test with any credit, went two balls into the morning and Root followed without adding to his overnight score. Why can’t he ever convert his consistent 50s into tons? This is something preventing him from truly being recognised as among the best in the world, alongside Smith and India’s Virat Kohli.
A fourth collapse in four innings here swiftly followed and England were defeated. A football match lasts longer than England’s final day ‘resilience’. The reality is they have to win at least two of the remaining three Tests. And avoid defeat in the other. Glenn McGrath’s 5-0 prediction looks increasingly likely.
Joe Root has no regrets over his decision to bowl first...
Justified in what he is saying?
#Ashes
Next up in Perth, England enter another of Australia’s fortresses, while Sydney closes the series - a spinner’s dream. Given England’s issues against Nathan Lyon, that’s not one to look forward to.
The Three Lions just aren’t scoring enough runs. Nobody looks capable of showing enough resilience and know how to reach the all-important 100. Alastair Cook looks way past his best, Ashes debutants Mark Stoneman, James Vince and Malan look good for no more than 30s, at best, Root doesn’t convert and does anyone know what’s happened to Moeen Ali? England’s player of the summer suddenly looks so ineffective with bat and ball.
It’s not as simple as sending for Ben Stokes, which incidentally won’t happen anyway. The all-rounder is playing club cricket in New Zealand and scored just two before going wicketless on debut. A lack of game time means he’d be woefully underprepared to slot straight in as if he’d been away.
Coach Trevor Bayliss is praying for some star turns when the Lions play in between this and the third Test. Certainly, the pace of Mark Wood would be welcomed back into his side, should the Durham man prove his fitness.
However, batting remains the big problem. Yet again England have too many left-handers, playing into the hands of nemesis Lyon, who thrives against them. They’ve also picked a group of top-order players with little or no previous England form and expected them to deliver in the most important and most difficult series of them all, against a brilliant attack in favourable conditions. The selectors have so much to answer for.
Australia bowl better, bat better, even field better. England are staring down the barrel, and there isn’t a saviour in sight.
