It was a madhouse in Perth, in the latest instalment of sport’s oldest international skirmish. England, who opted to bat after Ben Stokes won the toss, were skittled before tea for 172: no score at all. Stokes then galvanised his men to take nine wickets before stumps, the captain leading the way with five strikes in six overs as a tumultuous day ended with the tourists holding a lead of 49 runs.
And this was merely the opening day.
The Australians, players and spectators alike, think little of the phenomenon known as Bazball, which is the term applied to England’s Test cricket since the New Zealander Brendon McCullum became coach three years ago. There is nothing new under the sun, they have said repeatedly, and they are not wrong. Except…
In days gone by would England’s bowlers have responded so vigorously to make up for the batsmen’s failings? You may put that response down to Stokes, not only for his fistful of wickets, but the ‘over my dead body’ attitude he has instilled in his teammates.
The captain is a warrior. So was Andrew Flintoff, England’s hero in the glorious summer of 2005, and before him Ian Botham, now a peer of the realm, who transformed the team in 1981. Great all-rounders, all three, but only Stokes has made the captain’s part his own. With an hour’s inspired milling he has given his men a wonderful chance to win the first Test.
They will have to bat with more gumption second time around if they are to land an important blow. Just because Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are missing through injury doesn’t mean the Aussies are selling-platers. Mitchell Starc, their fastest bowler, took seven cheap wickets, and the left-armer will not consider his work done.
His first victim, predictably, was Zal Crawley, who is now 60 matches into the luckiest Test career enjoyed by any England batsman. The Canterbury Charmer lasted all of six balls, which was two or three more than many observers would have granted him when he took guard. Another loose drive, another slip catch, another duck. Quack, quack.
Joe Root also failed to notch a run. As the world knows this most graceful of batsmen has never made a century in Australia. If he can put that thought to the back of his mind he could well play the innings England need. Only Sachin Tendulkar has scored more heavily in Test cricket. Root still has time to put a shine on his clogs.
Harry Brook, the other Yorkie in the side, made a half century. Brook, even more than Crawley of the expansive cover drive, waves the banner for Bazball. He has talent coming out of his ears. When he is set he can make the longest boundaries appear small, and Australian fields are longer than those meadows in Burley in Wharfedale. What fun it would be to see him silence the Perth mockers.
Since giving the game to the world – Ian Chappell, a superb Australian captain liked to say – the English have done nothing to advance it. A bit harsh, yet it’s what many of his countrymen think. Bazball has become a cliche, and England’s spirited cricket on McCullum’s watch has not yet proved good enough to beat Australia or India over five matches.
They can’t afford to look this gift horse in the mouth. If ever there was a day for Root and Brook it will break shortly over the Swan river. It’s a day for glory.
Comments