Pat Cummins has declared that Australia successfully deflated England’s much-vaunted ‘Bazball’ strategy after watching the tourists “shut up shop” during the Adelaide Test.
The Australian skipper, who had been sidelined for the victories at Perth and Brisbane due to back problems, made his return to lead the side as they clinched the urn with a commanding 3-0 advantage and two matches still remaining.
England’s approach of reckless strokeplay proved costly in the opening two encounters.
Ben Stokes then urge his teammates to demonstrate greater resilience and battling qualities at the crease.
The tactical shift was evident in Stokes’ own batting, as the England captain compiled the slowest fifty of his entire career, requiring 159 deliveries to reach the milestone after his side lost early wickets.
On a glorious second day, England’s run rate crawled along at just 3.13 per over, while across the full match it registered at 3.35.
For a side that has built its reputation on relentless attacking cricket, this marked a notable shift in gear.
Cummins was quick to observe the transformation, with the victorious captain clearly recognising that England had abandoned their trademark aggression.
Pat Cummins has declared that Australia successfully deflated England’s much-vaunted ‘Bazball’ strategy
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He said: “They seem to have changed their style quite a bit game to game. That can happen in overseas conditions, where you’re always trying to find a method that works.
“Day two, I thought was surprising. It was 40-odd degrees, it was hot, it was a very flat wicket and they shut up shop for half the day, which I was pretty happy with.
“I’m sure they’ll talk about it and come at us with different plans for Melbourne and Sydney.
“I’m just glad we’ve been able to stick to our guns and play what we play best, which has worked.”
England were eventually dismissed for 352 | REUTERS
Having just returned to the team, Cummins admitted he may now sit out the last two Tests with the main objective already achieved.
Spinner Nathan Lyon is also set to miss the Boxing Day and New Year Tests after injuring his hamstring on day five in Adelaide.
Further changes are imminent for a side that has continued to win despite a long list of injury withdrawals.
These include Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith.
Five things to know about The Ashes | PA
He said: “We had a pretty aggressive build-up (for me) knowing there was an Ashes there to be won. Now it might be a case of ‘job’s done’ and let’s reassess.”
“I doubt I’ll play Melbourne and we’ll have a chat about Sydney. While the series was alive it was, ‘let’s take on the risk and have a crack at it’.”
On Lyon, he added: “It doesn’t look great seeing someone on crutches, that doesn’t bode well for a Test match that’s a week away.”
Australia will look at a trio of back-up spinners, with Toddy Murphy, Matt Kuhnemann and Corey Rocchiccioli all vying for the role.
