You know how that goes.
In the first Ashes Test in Perth, the batsmen scored 172 for 33 inside overs and then 164 for 35 inside, but the conversation now turns to whether changes will be made to the bowling attack.
There appears to be little appetite within England’s camp to make any changes to their batting line-up ahead of the second Test in Brisbane (day/night from December 4), but that could well be the case if Jacob Bethell performs well against the Lions in this weekend’s pink-ball tour fixture in Canberra.
So if the visitors, hoping to level their fifth consecutive match against Australia, cause an upset at the Gabba, it will likely be in the seamers, with Josh Tan, who will also play for the Lions at Manuka Oval from Saturday, an option.
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Stuart Broad considers why England’s bowlers struggled in Australia’s second innings in Perth
England’s pace unit of Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Kearse and Ben Stokes caused a stir for Australia on the first day at Optus Stadium, but perhaps with little rest due to the tourists’ poor batting, they slowed down on the second day and Travis Head beat Australia to victory.
Sir James Anderson, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, said on the BBC’s Tienders podcast that he expected the same XI in Brisbane, but added: “I wonder if there’s a lack of nuance, whether it’s a spinner or a slightly different pacer.”
If you’re going to Brisbane, do you recommend Tongue for Wood?
With swing likely to play a big role in the day-night Test, Sky Sports pundit and former England captain Nasser Hussain feels Tan could replace Mark Wood.
Will Josh Tan replace fellow England fast bowler Mark Wood in Brisbane?
Wood, England’s fastest bowler, played his first Test since August 2024 in Perth last week, and his first competitive match since February after a long absence following knee surgery.
Hussain told Sky Sports: “England might try to hit the track with horses and the pink ball is swinging so we might need a player who can lift the ball a little bit more. I think tan-for-wood is a good way to go (in Brisbane).”
“They go to Adelaide next (for the third Test from December 17), which historically has been a bit slower, lower and flatter course, so they might want some extra pace from Wood then.”
Mark Wood’s appearance in Perth was his first Test since August 2024.
Of Tan, who has taken 31 wickets in six Tests and averaged 30 with two five-wicket hauls, Hussain said: “He can splash the ball around when it’s moving around, but he has the talent to take wickets and get good players out.”
“He’s quick enough and bowls the short ball well. He angles towards the offside and the ball looks like it’s coming in, then he tucks in and catches the batsman in the slips.”
“He creates good angles, is a real wicket-taker and would be a great addition to any team.”
Tan took 31 wickets in six Tests for England
How England can learn from Tiger Woods
Hussain was frustrated that England “didn’t learn from their mistakes” during the two-day defeat in Perth, when the batsmen were pushed into form and they fell 3-0 down in the second innings, at a heavy cost to the tourists, amid widespread anxiety at 4 wins and 11 losses.
It is not the first time England have broken their dominance in a test under captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, and Hussain said the team could take some guidance from golfing great Tiger Woods.
He told the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast: “This England team loves to play golf. You’ve seen Tiger Woods in the majors. When he gets through, he’s absolutely ruthless.”
“He doesn’t pick the driver on every hole. He plots his way around the hole. He doesn’t go for every pin at the Masters. He’ll go to the middle of the green and two-putt.”
“He’ll play calm, risk-free golf and win tournaments while all of them (rivals) will come at him. Learn from Tiger Woods.”
Ashes Series in Australia 2025-26
always UK and Ireland
1st test (Perth – 21st to 25th November): Australia defeats England by 8 wickets 2nd Test (day/night): Thursday 4th December to Monday 8th December (4am) – The Gabba, Brisbane 3rd Test : Wednesday 17 December – Sunday 21 December (11:30pm) – Adelaide Oval Fourth Test: Thursday 25 December – Monday 29 December (11:30pm) – Melbourne Cricket Ground 5th Test: Sunday 4 January to Thursday 8 January (11:30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground
