Keyur Mandrekar:
The Ashes 2021-22 : Another day, another morning as we wake up in US and read a familiar story of England’s batting collapse. This time achieving newer lows, England collapsed with their worst returns since 1948 losing 10-58. As much as the results of the Ashes would not have surprised the cricket fraternity, what shocks the world is the abject inability of England batsmen to build partnerships with one of the top 4 batsmen, Joe Root.
England’s batting woes cannot be solely attributed to overseas conditions. Since 2018, as much as England’s white ball cricket has gone from strength to strength, their batsman in the red ball have struggled. The overall batting average and balls-per-dismissal ratio of top-order batsmen at home since 2018 for batsmen 1 through 7 are 37.94 and 74 respectively. England’s batting line-up is well behind the average when compared to the other top sides. (The Ashes 2021-22)
Currently placed at the bottom of the table for the World Test Championship with 9.25 winning percent, England plays 6 matches at home, 3 each against New Zealand and South Africa and another 6 when they travel to West Indies and Pakistan, England’s chances of being in the top 2 are bleak unless a miracle happens. (The Ashes 2021-22)
On a lighter note, England were docked 8 points for a slow over rate and earned 4 points for earning a draw at Sydney, England could have been better placed had they forfeited all their games and stayed home.
Chris Silverwood, England’s coach and selector has come under fire and he has solely blamed the batsman for spending more time on the road hinting the 3 Lion stars are prioritizing White Ball cricket and domestic leagues around the world. With not a single 100 scored by any batsman in this series, it might seem that batting was what was failing England. England’s bowlers have not faired with the kookaburra with the veteran duo of Broad and Anderson, playing 3 matches each and collectively getting 21 wickets striking at a rate of a wicket every 68 balls. A transition plan may very well have to be in place for ECB to walk away from these stalwarts. (The Ashes 2021-22)
As David Gower tears into the England team, he has made his thoughts clear with the need to reset England’s red ball structure. Will that be enough to get them back to match their success in White ball cricket, well the verdict is still not out there? (The Ashes 2021-22)
Joe Root, on the other hand looked dejected and out of sorts right after Melbourne, as he walked alone after the presentation where England were bundled out for 68 in the second innings as Australia won the Ashes. He will be mighty disappointed with his returns of 322 runs at an average of 32.20. Joe Root’s place in the top 4 may not be questioned yet but the will we continue seeing Joe Root leading this England unit? Has he lost the dressing room? (The Ashes 2021-22)
Like we have seen in recent days, Captains are falling (or resigning).
The Ashes 2021-22
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