Former England captain Alastair Cook has expressed his surprise over Australia’s approach on day 1 of the ongoing first Ashes Test at Edgbaston. The battle between England’s highly-successful bazball approach and Australia’s formidable attack lived up to the expectations as fans witnessed a thrilling day of cricket.
While England kept playing their attacking brand of cricket, Australia’s bowlers made sure to take wickets at regular intervals. Towards the end of the day, England skipper Ben Stokes stunned the cricketing world by surprise by declaring when his team was on 393 for 8 with a well-set Joe Root batting on 118.
England were reeling at 176 for 5 at one stage before the likes of Root and Jonny Bairstow rescued the home side from the precarious position. Australia openers then successfully managed to see off the 4 overs to close on 14 for no loss.
Alastair Cook on Australia’s approach:
Australia might have done well to not let England run away with the game but their approach did not impress Alastair Cook. The England great expressed his shock over the visitors’ defensive tactics right from the start against the hosts. The former opener could not believe that Australia did not adopt an aggressive approach to tackle England.
“It feels a bit un-Australian. They normally fight fire with fire. I’ve never seen Australia with four men on the boundary,” Alastair Cook said on BBC Test Match Special after Day 1.
The first day of the Test has set the tone for another thrilling Ashes series. Reigning Test world champions Australia will be looking to make a strong reply with the bat while high-flying England will be eyeing a solid day 2 with the ball.