As England team bundled out for 155 in the 1st innings of the 5th Ashes Test at Sydney, a whitewash looms largely over Alastair Cook’s head. Here are some of the points that led to England’s downfall in the Ashes Down Under:
As England team bundled out for 155 in the 1st innings of the 5th Ashes Test at Sydney, a whitewash looms largely over Alastair Cook’s head. Here are some of the points that led to England’s downfall in the Ashes Down Under:
Key players’ exit
First it was Jonathan Trott (flew from the tour due to ‘mental illness) and then spinner Graeme Swann who retired before the 4th Ashes Test. These blows were too much to take for Cook and company as their campaign Down Under fell apart.
Captaincy and Coaching questioned
Alastair Cook who saw his side return the coveted the Ashes Urn to the Aussies, was left perplexed after seeing his team perform poorly. Ex-cricketers questioned his captaincy methods and Cook himself called for a ‘change’ if the ECB selectors deemed the right candidate. Coach Andy Flower too came under scrutiny for picking the wrong players and strategies that went wrong.
James Anderson, Kevin Pietersen under-perform
Of all the hype surrounding England’s best players coming to the party, the likes of James Anderson and Kevin Pietersen failed to live up to the expectations. Pietersen struggled for runs (288 runs in 5 Tests) where as Anderson only bucketed 14 wickets.
Overconfidence? Perhaps
England went into this series as firm favourites but that did them in. A 3-0 victory back home might have fueled high spirits but Australia were better prepared in the return series.
Failed to cash in the momentum
Like always, in this series, England failed to take the momentum in their stride. Australia were reeling at 97-5 in the 5th Test when wicket-keeper Brad Haddin walked in. Thanks to some inept bowling, Australia walked away with a total of 326 and the English were pummeled to 155 in their first innings.
