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England The Ashes are in familiar territory at the start of the tour AustraliaAfter a disappointing performance in the first test, they went down 1-0.
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the issues that now need to be resolved before the series moves to Brisbane.
How do they keep morale alive?
The fact that questions need to be asked after six seasons of cricket is indicative of how painful the defeat in Perth was but three unscheduled days off will be a challenge. The local newspapers will make for uncomfortable reading and the initial buzz of enjoying the immersive experience of the Australian tour may be easier said than done, with thousands of England fans roaming the city and even more enthusiastic home fans. Golf’s favorite pastime has been the subject of some critics, but management will be aware that maintaining enthusiasm is one of their most important tasks.
Should the Test team stay in Canberra?
England decided early in their planning not to take Cricket Australia up on its offer of a two-day day/night practice against the Prime Minister’s XI. Instead, Andrew Flintoff’s Lions will head to Manuka Oval. Ashes winning captain michael vaughn He is one of several pundits who have publicly called for a rethink, insisting that the early finish means the senior side will now have to make use of the extra practice. Some members of the team who did not play may go to the capital, but taking a U-turn and sending a senior delegation seems contrary to this regime. It would be brave for any player to request a spot in the game, but there is a good argument that the extra exposure would be beneficial. Does anyone feel ready to make that call?
Can they keep up with a troubled top order?
jack crawley The scrutiny he faced during his England career is nothing new, but the opening batsman who started his biggest series in years with two ducks and two dismissals in the first over was certainly in for a treat. England have been resolute in their support of a player whose feast-or-famine record has often resulted in mistakes late in the season but they are in desperate need of payment. Ollie Pope looks safe as he top-scores in the game with 79 runs, although he also gave two hard-earned starts very slowly. Jacob Bethel is the named extra batsman, but his innings of 44 for the Lions against CA XI on Sunday was not enough to stake his claim. If Crawley fails again at the Gabba, keep an eye on Lions opening batsman Ben McKinney.
Does Root need rethinking?
Not everyone will like to hear it, but a radical re-evaluation of the entire ‘buzzball’ playbook after three and a half years of total buyout is not on the agenda. But more than anyone else, a person can choose to put their membership on hold. Joe Root He has 13,551 Test runs – more than any other active cricketer or any Englishman playing the game – but he needs to win on the conditions below. No centuries in 29 innings on Australian soil and an average of 33.33 does not do him justice and his second dismissal in Perth, which took away from his body at the crucial moment, was irresponsible. He is a serious thinker and will definitely reconsider changing his technical approach to suit the circumstances.
Rinse and repeat or rest and rotate?
England’s five-pronged pace attack looked fearsome on Friday and careless on Saturday but any changes will be minor. Nottinghamshire’s Josh Tongue seems the most likely addition with an attacking approach that could suit the vagaries of the day/night game. Will Mark Wood be able to make way or will the break recharge his batteries enough for a full finish? Perhaps Shoaib Bashir’s spin will not come into the equation till Adelaide.