Overview:
Hussain mentioned that the top England batters looked comfortable but failed to convert their starts into big innings.
Former captain Nasser Hussain said that England’s hopes of winning the Ashes are slipping away following another disappointing day in the third Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. The visiting side were 213/8, trailing Australia by 158 runs at stumps on Day 2, with Ben Stokes (45) and Jofra Archer (30) in the middle.
England batters once again failed to get going against the Australian bowling attack despite changing their approach. Speaking after the day’s play, Hussain said England had again struggled despite good batting conditions. He highlighted the partnership between Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer as evidence of the nature of the pitch, saying England missed chances to score runs.
“It seems the Ashes is slipping away after another challenging day on a good batting pitch. The partnership at the end of the day shows the quality of the pitch,” Hussain said on Sky Sports.
Hussain mentioned that the top England batters looked comfortable but failed to convert their starts into big innings. Apart from Harry Brook and Stokes, the willow holders were undone by the pressure applied by Australia’s bowlers.
“England’s top eight batters, barring Stokes and Harry Brook, looked comfortable but failed to deal with the pressure,” he added.
Hussain hailed the Australian bowlers for their masterclass in the third Test. “They have shown England how to bowl in Adelaide. The moment you pitch the ball up, you have a chance to take wickets. Pat Cummins was spot on while Scott Boland brought the ball in. They also have world-class spinner Nathan Lyon, who went past Glenn McGrath in Test cricket and is only behind Shane Warne.”
With Australia dominating with the bat and ball, England are almost out of the game and remaining in the series alive is looking impossible. The Three Lions won the Ashes in Australia in 2011 and have lost 15 of their last 17 Tests Down Under. With England at 213/8, the onus of a comeback is now on Ben Stokes, as he will have to produce one of the best innings to help his team.