Opinion: The results of the first two Tests show England need to change their thinking and adopt a fresher attitude to take the game to the hosts, writes former Australian captain Mark Taylor
By batting first at the Gabba, they missed a golden opportunity to play to their strengths and put Australia on the backfoot.Australia should not have been allowed to reach 2-221 on the first day on a fresh pitch with a brand new pink ball at night. It reflects poorly on England’s senior players.
Are they talking to each other? If so, are the senior quicks listening to their captain? The coach, captain and senior players are the ones who must be held accountable for England’s poor tour. Mark Wood’s return is a huge boost for England, as he provides a point of difference with his pace. From experience, any batter who claims not to be slightly intimidated by a bowler who can reach 145 km/h is fibbing. If there is inconsistent bounce in Melbourne, Wood will become even more of a handful.
Root is what I would describe as a typical England captain, who is laid back and reasonably quiet. His body language can be hard to read, but what I have been encouraged by are his comments in the past few days when he has spoken with more authority on his players’ performances.I sense Root is at the stage where England must improve, or he will seriously consider his future in the role. I am worried about the detrimental impact being the captain of team playing this poorly will have on his game.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
England hold 'brutally honest' team meeting after 0-2 Ashes startThe tourists are under pressure, with only Sir Don Bradman's Australian team of 1936-37 coming back to win the Ashes after losing the first two Tests.
Read more »
With Hazlewood set to miss, Root says England must rise to Boxing Day challengeWith England 0-2 against Australia, Root said his side's challenge was to collectively improve without 'pointing fingers'.
Read more »
Legend torches England over selection farceIs a Foakes-Buttler swap on the cards for England? 🤔🏴 📖 MORE: 9WWOS Ashes Cricket
Read more »
Christians welcome reflection on hard questions as Christmas nearsAs the year ends, 30-year-old pastor Patrick Donohoe singles out one ‘cool’ part of COVID: ‘you can’t avoid the hard conversations that Australians love to avoid’. michaelfowler08 Christmas2021 CovidChristmas religion Christianity
Read more »
Australia keep faith in opener Marcus Harris for third Ashes TestMarcus Harris will open for Australia in the Boxing Day Test after Justin Langer paid the support from his career forward and backed his man
Read more »
Australians plan to splurge $4bn in Boxing Day salesSurvey predicts record online sales as shoppers avoid crowds amid country’s Covid outbreak
Read more »