Root has a pretty decent record overall albeit quite poor in 2021. Whilst his batting remains of the best in the side, England under Root remind me of England under Atherton -
1. Decent batter at the top or close to the top of the order
2. Potentially talented side with some variety
3. Poor results / collapses
I've been lucky enough to watch the Ashes out there (just 2nd and 3rd tests in 2013/14 - another whitewash, sadly.
It's tough out there.. they're generally excellent - buoyed by Ashes on home ground, great atmosphere everywhere (they're great hosts, too - btw).
What I learned was:
- Batting
England rarely bat long innings and use the 5 days.
I saw Cook, Carberry, and co were often out to cross-batted shots in the low 20's when I watched.
Contrast that to Oz did on day 1 this time around and the England collapse.
- Bowling
Low variety, (5 x mid-fast guys plus Root's average spin)
Aussie commentary - they're always saying pitch it up a little more. We go short, fearful of getting cut.
- Tactics
I queestion Root here... Leach instead of Broad at Brisbane. No Mark Wood now...
I think Root (if he is the right man) can improve wit his team here.
- Chances/Concentration
Drops, at crucial moments. Uncharacteristic for Buttler who's not batted great. Could Bairstow have been a better call after doing well in the 100 (different game, but...)
It's not all bad for England. There have been moments when if chances taken we'd be a bit closer... It's an unforgiviing place to play though. And I don't in this squad see the charcter or desire really to land punches... Too much cricket, Covid, Bubbles, low prep.it's very tough.
But a 25 day series done in 7 days is not good for the game and shows up England for what they are out there. Men against boys.
It's testament only to the fans, Australian Cricket and the hospitality, enthusiasm and genuine love of the occasion in each test location that the remaining 'games' attract the attention they do.
But whitewashes in 2013, 2017, 2021 are not Covid. that's a trend. We genuinely struggle to do the biz out there and it's the classic issue of batting and concentration.
