Last Updated on 7 years by Charbel Coorey
With just one week to go before the first Ashes Test in Brisbane, England’s batting finally clicked on this tour. Following a poor outing in the Tour Match in Adelaide a few days ago, the onus was on England’s batsmen to deliver after their bowlers saved them from utter embarrassment.
England finished day two of the Tour Match v CA XI on 337/3, with Joe Root and Dawid Malan not out on 62 and 57 respectively.
There will be no confidence problems for Mark Stoneman heading into the Brisbane Test, notching up his fourth 50+ score in a row, and England’s first century of the tour. The Ashes proper is a different proposition, but Stoneman has been impressive so far, showing good intent and actually providing assistance to Alastair Cook.
Cook was slower to get going, but with Stoneman going well at the other end, Cook had the licence to take his time and spend quality time in the middle. With just three Tests under his belt, Stoneman has looked the most assured England batsman on tour so far and the tourists will be hoping for more of the same come next Thursday.
One concern England had though was the form of Alastair Cook. A key player for England, Cook had made scores of 0, 15 and 32, and looked scratchy in all innings. The 2nd day of the Tour Match was a relief for all associated with England, with Cook spending good time in the middle for his 70.
Skipper Joe Root, who is now just six runs away from 9,000 first-class runs, was back in the runs after two failures in a row, and Dawid Malan continues his decent run with his third half-century in four innings on tour.
So, four of England’s top five had solid outings, but what about their number three?
One area of concern for England, which has been a problem for quite a while now, is their number three. James Vince, who got a start, could not convert yet again.
It’s been the story of his tour, as well as his career so far. In the Ashes, England will desperately need their James Vince gamble to pay off. 20s and 30s will not win you an Ashes series, and if your number three can’t get over that hurdle, it’s concerning.
Is it a technical or mental problem for James Vince? Evidence throughout his Test career so far suggests it’s both, as he is able to get starts but those technical deficiencies outside off stump are costing him dearly.
One week out from the series opener, England have no choice but to continue encouraging Vince, and remind him that he was picked for a reason. If he can find his mojo in the Ashes, England might very well have a chance. It’s a very big “if”, though.
