The Ecstasy… and Sheer Agony
Despite the Second Test evisceration and continuing batting concerns, this England team has the talent and level – headedness to bounce back
Article by Rupert Watkins
As the 2015 Ashes moves into the Third Test, we have seen both the best and the worst of England. Inconsistency has been somewhat of a watchword for the team for some time now and certainly with a young team trying to fundamentally alter the nature of how the team goes about its cricket, not one that is likely to be ironed out for a little time. This in itself means we may see an utterly transformed team for the coming test match.
Australia’s upper order batted itself into excellent form at Lord’s, Steven Smith showed why he is as highly ranked as he is and Chris Rogers (despite his unfortunate concussion) is in outstanding form. The influx of new blood in the form of Marsh and Neville rejuvenated a flat team after the First Test.
The ridiculously flat pitch played into the hands of the Baggy Green’s far quicker attack – the nature of England’s implosion in their second innings is of cause for concern. More sporting pitches may aid Anderson and Broad but will also mean more helpful conditions for the Australian attack as well, something I remain concerned our batting line up may be too uncertain and fragile to overcome.
Lyth is correctly retained for the Third Test. It would have been unduly harsh to drop him when he should have had his debut and further experience in the West Indies earlier in the year, but he needs a score to prove he can take on the highest standard bowling and act as the aggressive and initiative – grabbing opening alongside Cook. Root’s elevation up the order to four is an obvious solution to splitting the out of form Bell and Bairstow coming back into the team though I fear the burden of having to play too many roles – in form counter-attacker, consistent run scorer and captain in waiting may wear him down.
Our lower middle order is potentially strong but still shows great confusion as to our strongest combination. Buttler is looking a tad technically circumspect and Moeen’s continuing presence at eight shows we fear for a weak upper order. Moeen bats higher than the dropped Ballence at county level and remains a square peg in a round hole as he is not and never will be a front line spinner. I fear England feel his batting more important – there might have been an argument to push him up the order to five and play Rashid on the spin friendly Edgbaston pitch. This would have allowed Moeen to prove his batting credentials though his performance in the second inning at Lords did little to remove the feeling he does not play short bowling well.
Broad bowled well on the second day at Lords but on an unhelpful pitch Anderson looked decidedly exposed and there has to be a slight concern another immediate huge Australian innings will mean he will physically struggle over the second half of the series.
Despite this concerns, the younger and more vibrant nature of this England team allied to the astute and calm approach of Bayliss means there is cause for optimism. Root remains in the form of his life and a less rigid coaching environment may bring out the best in the richly talented Bairstow on his return to the side. Anderson, Broad and Wood remain a potent attack – I hope Wood is not rotated for this test but allowed to build on his experience. Stokes and Buttler remain a lower order of huge growth and potential for England with the ability to take games away from the opposition in under a session. The One Day series under Fairbrace as stand in coach showed how a more relaxed, player - led environment can reap dividends.
The Third Test will be very tough and I realistically expect another big Baggy Green performance. However, I reckon this England team may have the verve to wrestle it head on. 