The Ashes: Ben Stokes shows England’s batting template and he’s still ready for a fight, says Michael Atherton | Cricket News

England have yet to win a Test since 1986 after a two-day struggle in Perth followed by a four-day struggle in Brisbane, but Michael Atherton looks at where they went wrong and what positives can be taken ahead of their third Ashes clash in Adelaide from December 17.

You may have to fight hard to earn the right to be aggressive and aggressive. It’s not defensive at all.

It’s fine to have that as a basic ethos because I don’t want to see England go back to being a defensive team that retreats into its own shell and doesn’t chase targets.

All the best teams I’ve ever seen are trying to put pressure on their opponents.

But I think England could look to the partnership of Ben Stokes and Will Jacks on the final day in Brisbane, as holding it back from time to time is not a sign of weakness, especially in Australia where the pitch is a little more bouncy.

The template is there. Again, it’s not about being negative, it’s about respecting both the situation and the situation.

Others: England weren’t as good, but they can challenge Australia

After a few sending offs in this game, I sat down with players like Zak Crawley to discuss the increased driving in Australia. So is Ollie Pope. Talk about being more cautious with balls that aren’t full-half volleys.

In Harry Brook’s case, there are situations where he has an advantage, so I would tell him to make sure he capitalizes on that advantage. He’s too good of a player to do what he did against Mitchell Starc in the first inning of the game.

Add in Brooke’s first dismissal, Pope and Crawley’s second dismissal, all the dropped catches, all the wayward bowling, and you’ve got England easily 150 runs.

The real shame so far is that this is not a traditional Australian team, but they have played tougher, more competent cricket.

The evidence so far suggests that England fell far short, suffering a disastrous defeat in Perth in two days and in Brisbane in four days.

But I’ve watched enough of this team over the last three years to know they can be better and if they are, they can create chances against Australia.

They need to play better and keep catching. Australia did not miss anything in the field, while England dropped five catches.

“McCallum has to pull himself together after consecutive losses.”

Leadership is very important right now and I feel that England are excellent in that respect.

I don’t think head coach Brendon McCullum will be swayed by public opinion or media criticism, nor should he. He should be upset by their shortcomings on the pitch, but not by the noise around the team.

What mattered most on the final day was the resolve and determination Stokes showed with the bat. It shows he’s still up for the fight. If he is, and the coach has his way, that’s a pretty good starting point.

But England need to bowl better.

I think they go for short-sighted tactics too quickly and too often. The Australian bowlers showed how to pick up wickets in regular mode.

I’ll start by attacking tight to the off-stump, then as the ball gets a little old I’ll push the line a bit to the 4th or 5th stump and then occasionally go for a short ball.

I think the short is out because the accuracy is not good enough. We have to get back to being disciplined and precise.

England are now going to Noosa for a few days and we have no problem with that.

It’s part of the advance itinerary and there’s no reason they shouldn’t relax for a few days after the Test match, but I would urge them to be sensible about it.

Then, once we get to Adelaide, we need to refocus and work hard to improve.

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