As Australia ended the first day on 326 for 6 in Perth, the scale of the task facing England's top sux is now clear. They will have to accumulate a total well in excess of 500 to have a realistic chance of holding on to the Ashes. Based on recent batting performances, the chances of such an outcome are unlikely.
Looking back through previous Ashes contests down under, such a feat would not be without precedent. In 1986, Mike Gatting's team nearly reached 600 thanks to hundreds from Broad (162), Gower (136) and Richards (133). That said, the Australian bowling attack in 1986 did not possess the pace of the current crop. This is the key. If England are to put recent batting performances behind them, they must face up to the quick stuff and take the body blows if they need to.
Ominously, their last showing at Perth did not make for great reading as they twice failed to reach 200. Of course, should England come away from Perth with a draw, they would still technically have a chance to hold on by winning the final two tests. Best not to hang on to that outcome though.
The pressure is now well and truly with the batsmen and Cook and Bell both have experience of making decent scores there. Both are also overdue big knocks on this tour. It's time they stood up to be counted and let the Australians know what they're all about. If they don't, five days won't be needed at Perth and the Freemantle Doctor will be blowing with a vengeance.
No comments:
Post a Comment