England were humbled, and it’s about to get worse |
Claims that this was an England team which would outclass Australia have, so far, been emphatically silenced. What should scare the old enemy is that it can only get worse.
Despite missing Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood from their bowling attack through injury, Mitchell Starc’s heroics have inspired a 2-0 Ashes lead. His match figures of 8-139 in Brisbane took his series tally to 18.
While England have looked the part at times, they have lacked the killer instinct.
“One thing to be in those moments is to start dealing with pressure and then making sure your mind is clear on the task at hand,” England captain Ben Stokes, whose fighting fourth innings 50 kept his side alive, said.
“As physical as this game is, a huge part of it is also the mental side of it.
“There were some moments where we were looking like the ability we have in the dressing room. The worst thing to do now, is to not have hope.”
Ben Stokes has implored his England players to keep faith.Credit: Getty Images
Starc is expected to be joined at Adelaide’s third Test by Cummins and spinner Nathan Lyon, who was overlooked for the day-night clash in favour of an all-pace attack.
Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett........