Jonathan Agnew criticizes England for their stubbornness in sticking to their attacking style during The Ashes 2023

The Haunting Days for England

Ashes battles have left England pondering their approach with the bat. If they don’t adapt, winning seems distant. The idea of playing positive cricket is commendable, but stubbornness has set in as they fail to learn from past defeats.

Missed Opportunities and Frustrations at Edgbaston

In the first Test, England had a great chance to clinch victory. They dominated large portions of the game, especially during the second innings until key batsmen gave away their wickets after promising starts.

Creating chaos like “Bazball” was essential yet elusive for them. This lack of aggression cost them at Edgbaston and now again at Lord’s. Wrapping up a commanding position and handing it over to your opposition is no way to win a Test match.

The Aggressive Era: A Year That Worked Wonders

Aggressive cricket tactics worked brilliantly for Captain Ben Stokes and Coach Brendon McCullum last year when they turned around this English Test team. Winning 11 out of their first 12 Tests created an unmatched energy that garnered applause from all corners.

However, facing Australia poses challenges beyond what they previously encountered against New Zealand, India or South Africa lacking top-class batsmen.

Frustration Mounts as England Repeats Costly Mistakes

The frustration intensifies when you consider that, at 188-1 on day two, England was once again in control. Falling for the trap of short-pitched bowling set by Australia, key batsmen like Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Joe Root played right into their hands.

As a former pace bowler myself, I know the effort required to maintain such a strategy for an extended period. You can only sustain it for four or five overs before it takes its toll. Getting a batsman out with a hook or pull is considered a bonus.

Hence, it makes no sense when not one but four English batters fell victim to this ploy. All they had to do was play intelligently – sway away from the ball for a few overs. It’s not being defensive; rather, it’s about applying common sense when facing multiple fielders waiting to catch you off guard.

England: A Shadow of Themselves

To liken England’s performance to club cricket would be an insult even to amateurs who play the game passionately. The disheartenment is evident among former players who feel disappointed in witnessing this uncharacteristic style of play.

In the heat of an Ashes battle and under immense pressure, batsmen often fall prey to their own desire to take on any challenge thrown at them – especially after hearing bold claims from within the English camp.

That’s why during Australia’s tactical onslaught and with both Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett struggling visibly against short balls, sending out a message from the dressing room could have altered their course of action.

A Missed Message: Opportunities Lost

It’s worth noting that Duckett escaped dismissal three times before eventually falling victim to Australia’s tactics. Similarly, Joe Root and Harry Brook were lucky enough to find reprieve after playing risky shots.

If only there had been a message from the dressing room during those crucial moments…