Australia took a 1-0 lead, as they defeated England by ten wickets in the first Ashes Test at Gabba in Brisbane early on day five.
David Warner and Cameron Bancroft remained unbeaten while chasing a target of 170 in the second innings. Debutant Bancroft scored his maiden half-century, whereas, Warner continued his appreciating form at home, as he remained not out on 87.
The two teams will now go to Adelaide where the second match of the series will be played from 2nd August. It will also be the first Day/Night Ashes Test match.
Till date, there have been just six day/night Test matches with the first Test being played in 2015 between Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide, which the Aussies won by three wickets. Australia has played the most number of day/night Tests (3), whereas, England played their only day/night Test against the West Indies early this year.
Talking about the second Ashes Test, many former and current cricketers believe this is England’s best chance to level up the series and have any chance of retaining the Urn. According to reports, the Adelaide pitch has some grass on it to keep the pink Ball in shape.
This has lightened up the spirits of the England cricketers. If James Anderson and Stuart Broad manage to pick up ten wickets in the second Test, they will become the most potent new-ball bowling pair.
Former Australian captain Ian Chappell said,
“I’ve always thought this is their best chance of winning, but they need to make it happen. Otherwise, they’re in big trouble for the rest of the series.”
He also had a say over James Anderson’s performance in the second innings of the first Test,
“I’m not sure what his mental state is with the Kookaburra ball, but the pink ball might liven that up a bit,”
Former England captain Sir Ian Botham also shared some similar views,
“They will enjoy playing under lights. It’ll suit the attack, Anderson in particular; it’s just a little bit of the rub of the green you need to go your way in Adelaide. That is (why) you want to do your bowling once it gets dark.”
Usman Khawaja who scored the first century by an Australian batsman in a day/night Test said batting with a pink ball has become a lot easier.
“The pink ball has changed a little over time. It’s become a bit more consistent … definitely improved,” Khawaja said.
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(Ashes 2017-18: Alastair Cook Works Hard in Nets to Return to Form)