BUMBLE AT THE TEST: What a Test match! The contrast in styles had the nation gripped
After five days of ups and downs and grueling top tier Ashes Test cricket, Australia took a 1–0 lead in the series.
Captain Pat Cummins batted impressively as he enjoyed an unbeaten 55-run stand with Nathan Lyon to see his side home by seven wickets.
England appeared to be in control for most of the game, but the visitors’ patient style prevailed over Ben Stokes’ attacking approach.
The series will now move to Lord’s, where England will try to recover from their defeat in Birmingham.
Mail Sports David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd takes you through Tuesday’s action from Edgbaston.
Australian captain Pat Cummins helped his side to a narrow two-wicket victory in the first Ashes Test
The game was only the third England lost under Ben Stokes, but they played well all along
A contrast in styles to keep the country in its grip
There are several ways to play Test Cricket. England have well documented that they are going to pop, but Australia came out knowing that if they hit the overs they would win. That’s exactly what they did.
With England’s approach, many seniors don’t get it, but you talk to the younger generation and they absolutely love it.
Just as there is a chasm between the people, there is a fascinating chasm between the two sides and that is why every ball of this series will grip the nation.
Cummins the hero
Australia’s hero. Mr Pat Cummins.
Given the match situation, let me tell you, those were nerves of steel. What a collaboration between him and Nathan Lyon. Australia draws first blood, just like in 2005 and we go to Lord’s.
Anderson plays peacemaker
Thanks to Usman Khawaja. He was unflappable and played his own game every day, with such determination, with what many believe is the way to play Test cricket.
James Anderson had to play peacemaker when Ollie Robinson and Usman Khawaja endured a war of words
The two went back a fourth All Test, but the Australian batsman had the last laugh
And fair game to him, because he was oblivious to everything else. Even when Ollie Robinson went to great lengths to disrupt his concentration, Khawaja remained in his bubble and was left to none other than Jimmy Anderson to become a peacemaker. Now that’s a surprise!
There for the taking for England
Looking back at the bullet points in the Test. Of course people will look at the statement, but the match was up for grabs for England.
They will regret all their missed opportunities, especially the one Khawaja let go. But credit to Australia and how Cummins and Lyon held their ground when it looked like England had won the game.
England is not that fast
Ben Stokes said he wanted fast, flat wickets. So will England reconsider now?
On average, England’s pace bowlers were all at least 5 mph slower than Australia’s fast ones. In the middle, that’s a huge difference.
It’s no coincidence that the fastest bowler on display looked very powerful, in Cummins. So I would think Mark Wood will definitely be on the Lord’s team.
England’s bowlers averaged 5 mph slower than their Australian counterparts
Hartley to the rescue?
Make no mistake. Moeen Ali’s blisters on his finger is another serious problem.
Seven layers of skin are gone and with a week before the second test at Lord’s, perhaps England should look elsewhere.
Rehan Ahmed, Will Jacks and Liam Dawson are all candidates, but I put myself in the shoes of the England selectors, who have so often surprised us. What about Lancashire’s Tom Hartley? A long left arm spinner, who can hit and is brilliant in the field. He will be on England’s radar…
Moeen Ali, who is struggling with an injured finger, is likely to be replaced for the next Test
A gold advertisement for the game
Anyway, what an advertisement for Test Cricket and what a great way to start this series.
This was as good a test match as you could ever hope for. Everywhere you go, people are talking about the game.
Fair game to Edgbaston for posting £25 tickets for the last day. A full room every day and even on a working day. I would like to know how many people in Birmingham called in sick to work on Tuesday!