Aussies go 1-0 up after clinical display
There we have it. Australia are 1-0 up in the Magellan Ashes series after David Warner and Camron Bancroft help Australia cruise to a 10 wicket win against England at the Gabba.
I was definitely not expecting such a convincing victory after what was an incredibly even 3 days of test cricket. However, I guess this is the true beauty of test cricket and to an extent the great tragedy a team can experience. One bad session or one great innings can eventually turn the game. And that is certainly what England encountered which ultimately allowed Australia to control the game during the later parts of the match.
England to some extent have only themselves to blame for their successes in this game. Being 1/127, they were in a prime position to stamp their authority on a fairly lazy looking Australian team who uncharacteristically showed no real sign of intent or aggression in the first innings. Moreover, sitting at 4/246 England really should have pushed on to at least 400 in the first innings. A first innings score of 300 is a very different mindset to having to chase 400. Hence, England really have themselves to blame, particularly in their batsmen, after getting starts and not going on to compile a big score. But nonetheless, James Vince and Mark Stoneman really have shown England selectors of their talent and have demonstrated their capabilities in performing at the international level.
After a first innings total of 302 established by England, Australia certainly did not look the part. With some soft dismissals and lack of application, they hosts were begging at 4/76, before Steve Smith and Shaun Marsh lead a strong fightback. It was this partnership that showed that the wicket was a true and good surface to bat on. The timing and class of Shaun Marsh who constructed a handsome 51 before being undone by a brilliant piece of bowling. A small loss of quick wickets saw Australia again in hot waters as they sat at 7/209. It was at this moment I honestly thought that England were slowly becoming favourites ahead of the Aussies. But I believe that one of the defining moments of the test match was no doubt Smith's incredible 141 not out, but also the partnership he shared with Pat Cummins, which allowed Australia back into the game with a strong message to the English camp. The psychological impact of a tale ender scoring runs is incredibly damaging to the morale of the bowling team, especially after having Australia struggling and then letting them back into the game. Smith's innings showed immense character and determination which highlights the type of captain he is and the stubborn nature that he possesses. The type of slow innings that he compiled certainly outclassed the English bowlers who were looking very good, but also emphasises why he is the best test player in the world and his hunger to be the man to win the Ashes.
England's approach in their second innings showed a real lack of application on a good wicket and was also one of the pivotal moments of the test match. Much like a see-saw, it was the loss of 4 wickets for 10 runs late in the England innings that tipped the balance of the game towards Australia. At last Australia looked like they were bowling with some intent, which proved to trouble the English batsmen immensely. Furthermore, Australia must be criticised for their bowling tactics. Their premier fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood showed a very ordinary display of fast bowling as there was no real attempt of aggressive play or extra intimidation. It is understandable that this technique may not have been effective on the first day due to the tackiness of the pitch. However, on the second day and the 3rd innings, Australia's lack of intent and aggression certainly allowed the English batsmen to take advantage of some ordinary bowling. Considering this when the Aussies showed instances of aggression it was clear that there was uncertainty and fear in the English players. And this was complimented beautifully by Nathan Lyon, who I saw as the best bowler in the match, his utilisation of the spin and bounce was clinical as he created chances for wickets whereas the pacers waited for opportunities.
Being set a target of 170 runs to win the first test was a very achievable target. But, there was no doubt that England, if given the opportunity of taking early wickets could have a chance of winning. However, the intent of Warner and the current form of Bancroft saw Australia, cruise to the total, seeing Australia to a 10 wicket win. It is least to say that Australia will take plenty of confidence going into the next test, especially Camron Bancroft. His patient innings of 82 will solidify the reason the selectors had chosen him in the first place, and that is because of the form he is in.
The second test in Adelaide under lights will most likely be England's best chance of putting a win on the board. The winning conditions during the twilight and night sessions will suit English bowlers most, hence the Australian batsmen need to step up, in particular, Usman Khawaja who fell very cheaply in the first test. I am sure that he will provide a spark for the Australians because of his form in the Sheffield Shield, but only if he can improve his technique against spin. I will not be surprised if a new bowling attack will be seen by the Australians. I would expect that Chad Sayers will be given an opportunity in the 2nd test ahead of Josh Hazelwood who will be rested. Sayers' experience and record at the Adelaide Oval is simply suburb. Thus I believe his addition to the team will give the team a little more of a mysterious look as the English batsmen will be fairly unaware of his bowling techniques and approach. I still have doubts about Australia's selection not to include an allrounder to the squad. This is something that I believe is going to hurt the Aussies at some point in the series. It was demonstrated that the Australians lacked variety in their pace bowling department. An introduction of an allrounder would see some extra overs of genuine variety and change of pace on the wickets which will add a bit more options to the bowling lineup. But the dilemma is essentially as to "who will miss out?". While Australia are performing the alteration of the final XI will be difficult. I think it is still too early to question the wicketkeeping position, as Paine has kept very nicely despite letting go a tough chance. But if he does not make runs question marks will be put on his name, and I suspect that the wicketkeeping role will be given to either Peter Handscombe or Camron Bancroft and an allrounder will be included in the mix. But, I think the XI will be very similar coming into the 2nd Test with the exception of a bowler and whether one of them will be rested for Chad Sayers.
Overall, it was a fantastic test match as it had all the drama and defining moments that we as viewers want to see. Which includes the aggression, passion and tension shown on the field. Australia take a 1-0 lead in this test match and I suspect that another fantastic match is due for the second test at Adelaide
.
I was definitely not expecting such a convincing victory after what was an incredibly even 3 days of test cricket. However, I guess this is the true beauty of test cricket and to an extent the great tragedy a team can experience. One bad session or one great innings can eventually turn the game. And that is certainly what England encountered which ultimately allowed Australia to control the game during the later parts of the match.England to some extent have only themselves to blame for their successes in this game. Being 1/127, they were in a prime position to stamp their authority on a fairly lazy looking Australian team who uncharacteristically showed no real sign of intent or aggression in the first innings. Moreover, sitting at 4/246 England really should have pushed on to at least 400 in the first innings. A first innings score of 300 is a very different mindset to having to chase 400. Hence, England really have themselves to blame, particularly in their batsmen, after getting starts and not going on to compile a big score. But nonetheless, James Vince and Mark Stoneman really have shown England selectors of their talent and have demonstrated their capabilities in performing at the international level.
After a first innings total of 302 established by England, Australia certainly did not look the part. With some soft dismissals and lack of application, they hosts were begging at 4/76, before Steve Smith and Shaun Marsh lead a strong fightback. It was this partnership that showed that the wicket was a true and good surface to bat on. The timing and class of Shaun Marsh who constructed a handsome 51 before being undone by a brilliant piece of bowling. A small loss of quick wickets saw Australia again in hot waters as they sat at 7/209. It was at this moment I honestly thought that England were slowly becoming favourites ahead of the Aussies. But I believe that one of the defining moments of the test match was no doubt Smith's incredible 141 not out, but also the partnership he shared with Pat Cummins, which allowed Australia back into the game with a strong message to the English camp. The psychological impact of a tale ender scoring runs is incredibly damaging to the morale of the bowling team, especially after having Australia struggling and then letting them back into the game. Smith's innings showed immense character and determination which highlights the type of captain he is and the stubborn nature that he possesses. The type of slow innings that he compiled certainly outclassed the English bowlers who were looking very good, but also emphasises why he is the best test player in the world and his hunger to be the man to win the Ashes.
England's approach in their second innings showed a real lack of application on a good wicket and was also one of the pivotal moments of the test match. Much like a see-saw, it was the loss of 4 wickets for 10 runs late in the England innings that tipped the balance of the game towards Australia. At last Australia looked like they were bowling with some intent, which proved to trouble the English batsmen immensely. Furthermore, Australia must be criticised for their bowling tactics. Their premier fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood showed a very ordinary display of fast bowling as there was no real attempt of aggressive play or extra intimidation. It is understandable that this technique may not have been effective on the first day due to the tackiness of the pitch. However, on the second day and the 3rd innings, Australia's lack of intent and aggression certainly allowed the English batsmen to take advantage of some ordinary bowling. Considering this when the Aussies showed instances of aggression it was clear that there was uncertainty and fear in the English players. And this was complimented beautifully by Nathan Lyon, who I saw as the best bowler in the match, his utilisation of the spin and bounce was clinical as he created chances for wickets whereas the pacers waited for opportunities.
Being set a target of 170 runs to win the first test was a very achievable target. But, there was no doubt that England, if given the opportunity of taking early wickets could have a chance of winning. However, the intent of Warner and the current form of Bancroft saw Australia, cruise to the total, seeing Australia to a 10 wicket win. It is least to say that Australia will take plenty of confidence going into the next test, especially Camron Bancroft. His patient innings of 82 will solidify the reason the selectors had chosen him in the first place, and that is because of the form he is in.
Overall, it was a fantastic test match as it had all the drama and defining moments that we as viewers want to see. Which includes the aggression, passion and tension shown on the field. Australia take a 1-0 lead in this test match and I suspect that another fantastic match is due for the second test at Adelaide
.
Comments
Post a Comment