Ashes 2017/18: It is Frustrating, Says Joe Root after Thumping Loss at the Gabba
Nov 27, 2017 at 10:24 AM
The way England had started the proceedings on their latest trip to the dreaded Gabbatoir, it seemed Joe Root & Co. would put up a far better show then some of their predecessors who were humiliated at the famous venue, considered as Australia’s fortress.
However, England’s promising challenge eventually fizzled out, as they lost the series-opener by ten wickets, thus bringing back the horrific memories of the past in Brisbane.
After setting a modest 170-run target, England bowlers were thoroughly dominated by Australia’s latest opening pair David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, as the duo shared an unbeaten 173-run stand to take the hosts home in the first session of the fifth day.
Speaking after the loss, England skipper Joe Root admitted that the loss was frustrating before giving an injury update on Moeen Ali and James Anderson and insisting the altercation between Jonny Bairstow and Cameron Bancroft has been blown out of proportion.
“It is frustrating; we got to move on quickly and make sure we don’t make the same mistakes at Adelaide. Yeah, they will be fine (referring to Moeen Ali and James Anderson’s niggles). We have had tough days and bounced back immediately, that’s what we have to do in Adelaide. As far as the story with Jonny (Bairstow) is concerned, a mountain has been made out of a molehill, we just need to move on and focus on our cricket,” Root said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
With just four days between the just-concluded Test and the start of the next, a historic day-night clash in Adelaide beginning on Saturday, Joe Root and the England team-management will have a lot to worry about. If they are looking to replicate the heroics of their legendary 2005 side, the last team to lift the Ashes urn after losing the series-opener.
Right from Alastair Cook’s twin failures, Joe Root’s failures to put up a big score, tail-enders’ struggle against Australia’s pacers and the off-colour Chris Woakes, England need to sort out their issues quickly if they want to bounce back from the heavy defeat.
Also Read: (Ashes 2017/18: Twitter Reacts As Australia Crush England To Take Lead In The Series)
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