England is sitting pretty in the Old Trafford Test. A brute of an innings from the much-maligned Zak Crawley, has put them in the driver’s seat. Michael Atherton, the much respected British commentator, remarked during his innings that Crawley has not been consistent but if he can get himself set, he plays an innings of sheer brilliance. He was not wrong because Crawley’s strokeplay was simply outstanding. England is now beautifully placed to square the series and have a shot at winning The Ashes outright. Are we witnessing history?
Prior to the start of the Manchester Test, England’s chance to win the Ashes was slim if not downright impossible. It improved from impossible to slim after the victory at Headingley. Now, it has improved from slim to possible. For the first time in this series, after day one of the first Test, England was able to unleash the full potential of Bazball on the hapless Australians. The result is devastating for Australia. The pitch is flat which allowed the English batsmen to unleash their strokeplay.
Cummins would not know what had hit him. Sure, he has experienced bad days on the field but this was simply chastening. It started with the very first ball of the day when he drove a length delivery from Anderson to cover and by the close of play, he went for more than 6 runs an over. This was an experience Cummins will not forget that easily. Probably, Cummins is tired. This was his 5th Test over the last 6 weeks. It started with the WTC Finals and from then on, his bowling effort, though not against India, has been high. Added to that are his decisions as the captain. Australia cannot afford to lose him but he is also a human. He has so far bowled 126 overs, by far the most by an Australian this series.
The mammoth partnership of 206 runs between Root & Crawley all but took only 30 overs. It will be an understatement to say that Australia were outplayed during that part. It was this passage of play that may ultimately, result in Australia’s loss. It was hard to understand the reason Australia did not opt for the short-ball barrage that they so successfully applied at Lords. Australia felt the absence of a spinner. Travis Head was introduced in the 23rd over. This in a team that boasts of 5 seamers, a part-time spinner comes into the attack so early. This showed that Australia did not select the correct team. Todd Murphy, perhaps, in hindsight, should have played.
Rain may still come to the aid of Australia. The forecast for the weekend is pretty poor. Thunderstorm is predicted on both the days. Australia needs only a draw to retain the Ashes. England need to win to remain in contention for the Ashes.