Shameful, pathetic, listless, lack of fight and embarrassing are just a few words that can be used to describe Australia’s performance on Day 1 of the Fourth Ashes test at Trent Bridge.
I would go as far as saying that was the worst day by Australia in my lifetime watching cricket.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat, Australia meekly capitulated in just 18.3 overs to be all out for 60, it’s equal 6th lowest score in 138 years of test cricket.
Stuart Broad bowled a once in a lifetime spell, taking 8/15 off 9.3 over. While he bowled really well, it was not great unplayable bowling. Time and time again the Aussie batsman played ridiculous shots to Broad and gave away their wickets.
To rub salt in the wounds, England batted with skill and application against an Aussie attack that has no plan and can’t bowl in the right areas consistently, finishing the day at 4/274 off just 65 overs, largely off the back of 124 no from Joe Root and 74 from Jonny Bairstow.
Both scores are higher than Australia’s total, in Root’s case its more that double.
The test, the series and some careers are over.
Pivotal moment – as usual, an early wicket spelt disaster for Australia. In the first over Chris Rogers pushed forward and nicked the ball to the slips to record his first duck in test cricket (after a record 46 innings). From there it was carnage.
Moment to file in the memory banks – Australia needs to learn how to play in English conditions. They must not forget this day ever
Why can’t Australia bat? – the moment the ball swings, spins, the conditions don’t suit and there is a bit of adversity Australia goes to pieces. They have no ability to change the way they play or to fight for their wicket. Until they learn this they will never win in foreign territory.
The bowlers were almost as bad as the batsman. Far too many loose balls to give the batsman an easy start. Can they afford to carry Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson? Josh Hazelwood has disappointed as well. They cannot go into the last test with the same attack.
What Australia needs on Day 2 – rain, four days of it.
What England needs on Day 2 – bat, bat, bat. Make a score that will break what’s left of Australia’s spirit. Joe Root will be eyeing a daddy hundred to prove he is the best young batsman in the world.
What the – where does Australia go from here. They must start thinking of the next away Ashes series now. Fly players over from the A tour to play in the 5th test if neccessary. For mine only the postions of Steve Smith, David Warner and Nathan Lyon are secure right now. That doesn’t mean everyone gets dropped.
Credit to England for playing a great day’s cricket, but this day was more about Australia’s pathetic performance.
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