Hello everyone and welcome to the over-by-over coverage of the second day of the Boxing Day Ashes Test. we are moving to melbourne Cricket 10.30am local time (11.30am UK).
History does not repeat itself, but it often rhymes, or proves itself. If that’s the case, then England’s Ashes series is turning into something out of Dr. Seuss theory.
The all-too-familiar failures came out on the first day at the MCG. Both openers fell cheap, the set batsmen were dismissed on poor shots, no pressure was put on Australia’s attack, and (though this is modest in comparison) a true hope of England, Joe Root, converted a Test-defining half-century. Couldn’t score.
After Adelaide, there was a lot of noise that England had spoken openly about his performance. It set the tone for a topic of conversation during a miserable day’s play: England not backing up their words with deeds. I think we are all voluntarily, or unconsciously, overthinking things.
Simply put, England are not very good. They are not very good especially in Australian conditions. They are not particularly great in Australian conditions against a well-drilled bowling attack led by the brilliant Pat Cummins. What happened yesterday was normal. Sometimes it’s so straightforward.
From England’s point of view, the remainder of this series will have to focus on how such a well-funded cricket board can deliver such a result with such consistency. There is something very important wrong that cannot be addressed by a heated dressing room debate or by questioning the angle of an opener’s blade.
The Test is not over yet, but England’s first innings dismissal in just 65.1 overs after the toss means they are on the move. The next two days promise the best batting conditions at the MCG. Further humiliation awaits the tourists.
I’ll be back soon, but if you want to join in, you can contact me E-mail or twitter (@JPHowcroft,
Shirley Bassey could probably do a decent job in England’s middle order.
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