Last Updated on 7 years by Charbel Coorey
Australia tried their best to let England back in the game, but eventually ran out winners by 120 runs in the second Ashes Test in Adelaide. The final day promised so much in terms of a close finish, but once Chris Woakes and key man Joe Root were dismissed in quick succession by Josh Hazlewood, the result was a formality.
Despite a fine second innings effort, England paid the price for a defensive approach in the first. England’s decision to bowl first screamed ‘conservative’ and ‘let’s not face Australia’s bowlers right away’. Even worse, England simply bowled too short on the first and second days, and conceded a score which was way too high. They left themselves just too much to do.
Australia were the better side and deserved to win, but are without their own concerns. Their batting collapse in the second innings is something not uncommon to Australia, especially in overseas/challenging batting conditions. England must keep believing that they can somehow retain the Ashes.
I love stats, so here are 6 key stats from the 2nd Ashes Test:
Worst run since 1920-21
England have now lost seven straight Ashes Tests in Australia, dating back to the first Test in their 5-0 series loss in 2013/14. Their worst run is eight, way back in 1920-21.
They must avoid defeat in Perth to avoid equalling this unwanted record and of course, keep their Ashes hopes alive.
Perfect 100%
Australia have now won four out of four day/night Tests. New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and now England have all fallen prey to the Aussies under lights.
Interestingly, all seven day/night Tests so far have ended in results. Definitely good for Test cricket.
The worst conversion rate among the “big four”
Joe Root made yet another 50+ score without converting to a century. In the second innings, he held the key but couldn’t add to his overnight score of 67.
Joe Root converts just 27.66% of his 50+ scores to centuries, which is the worst for the “big four”. Interestingly though, he has the most 50+ scores out of these four (48). For England to stand a chance of fighting back in the Ashes, he needs to score hundreds.
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| Joe Root possess the worst conversion rate among the “big four”
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There is a first for everything…
Before this Test, James Anderson had 24 five-wicket hauls in Tests, with none in Australia. In his 15th Test down under, Jimmy Anderson finally picked up his first five-wicket haul with a fine 5/43 in the second innings. He looks unstoppable when the ball swings.
Is Cook “cooked”?
Alastair Cook’s difficult run against Australia has continued.
Cook is without a century against Australia since the final Test of England’s 3-1 series win in 2010/11. Outside of his huge 766 run tally in that series, Cook has scored 1,413 runs at an average of just 27.17 v Australia.
He will play his 150th Test in Perth, and has to step up to keep England in with a shout in this series.
Record Adelaide crowd
173,849 fans flocked the gates across the first four days of the Test, going past the record of 172,361 set way back in 1933!
Fans are still interested in Test cricket, but it has to be more appealing. Day/Night Test cricket is certainly appealing. A fair battle between bat and ball is appealing. Four Day Tests aren’t the answer – competitive conditions is.
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