ASHES FIRST TEST: Australia’s Unfortunate Missed Chances
In the highly anticipated Ashes series, England has started off with a bang, but a series of missed opportunities and unfortunate dismissals have allowed Australia to regain the momentum. The first Test at Edgbaston has seen some thrilling moments and gripping cricket.
England’s Strong Start
England’s openers, Zak Crawley and Joe Root, set the tone for the innings with their aggressive strokeplay. Crawley, in particular, made a statement by smashing the first delivery from Australian captain Pat Cummins for a boundary through the covers. The crowd erupted with excitement, and even the England skipper Ben Stokes looked surprised from the dugout.
Despite the lack of swing or seam on the flat Edgbaston pitch, England’s batsmen played their shots freely. Australia’s bowlers struggled to make an impact, and the feeling of spookiness was palpable in their camp. Former England captain Mike Atherton noted in the commentary that Australia seemed unsettled.
Australia’s Missed Chances
Australia’s bowlers created a few half-chances before the drinks break, with an outside edge falling short of second slip and an inside edge narrowly missing the stumps. England, however, continued to score at a steady pace, with Zak Crawley looking in fine touch. He repeatedly drove through the covers with authority, showcasing his class.
Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, made some unusual field placements during the morning session, deploying four boundary riders including a deep backward point. Former England captain Alastair Cook commented on BBC Test Match Special that such a defensive strategy felt uncharacteristic of Australia, who typically fight fire with fire.
Crawley’s Reprieve and Brook’s Misfortune
Just as Zak Crawley was starting to dominate the Australian attack, he received a lucky break. An absolute peach of a delivery from Scott Boland flew through to wicketkeeper Alex Carey at head height, but television replays suggested an outside edge might have been missed by Australia. No appeal was made, and Crawley sheepishly grinned after his reprieve on 40. He went on to reach his half-century in just 56 deliveries.
However, Australia’s fortunes changed soon after when spinner Nathan Lyon trapped England vice-captain Ollie Pope lbw. Umpire Ahsan Raza initially shook his head, but Cummins reviewed the decision, resulting in Pope’s dismissal for 31.
Just before the lunch break, Scott Boland struck again and sent Crawley back to the pavilion with another excellent delivery. However, umpire Marais Erasmus failed to spot the deflection, and Crawley was given out only after a successful Australian review.
After lunch, rising star Harry Brook showed his intent by hitting two elegant boundaries. However, Travis Head dropped a catch at deep point off Boland’s bowling, giving Brook a second chance. Head’s sloppy misfield on the boundary rope only added to Australia’s frustration.
Brook’s Strange Dismissal
Harry Brook’s luck eventually ran out in the 38th over, falling victim to Nathan Lyon in a bizarre manner. The delivery hit Brook’s thigh guard, flew into the air, and landed near his feet before bouncing back into the stumps. Calls of “catch” were made, but the ball never went above waist height, resulting in Brook’s dismissal for 32.
Stokes and Bairstow’s Early Exits
England captain Ben Stokes had a short stay at the crease, fishing at a delivery outside off stump from Josh Hazlewood and nicking it through to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Despite a desperate review, Stokes was unable to save his wicket and departed for just 1 run.
Hazlewood continued to trouble England’s batsmen and soon had Jonny Bairstow trapped on the pads. After a review, Hawkeye suggested that the ball would have gone over the leg stump, sparing Bairstow from being dismissed.
Conclusion
As the first Test of the Ashes series unfolds, missed chances and unfortunate dismissals have played a significant role in determining the momentum of the game. While England started strongly, Australia’s persistence and some baffling umpiring decisions have allowed them to regain control.
The series is still in its early stages, and both teams have shown their resilience and skill. The contest between bat and ball promises more thrilling moments in the days to come. Cricket fans, on the edge of their seats, eagerly await the twists and turns that the Ashes saga will undoubtedly bring.
Keywords: Ashes, cricket, missed opportunities, unfortunate dismissals, England, Australia
<< photo by Dom J >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
