After 11 days of grueling Test cricket, England finally showed signs of life in the last two days of the third Test, despite the series already being all but lost. This belated resurgence has sparked optimism that the team may be turning a corner in terms of maturity, a notion that may seem counterintuitive given the experience within the squad. However, the team's approach to cricket and the series has been anything but mature, with a plethora of memorable rhetoric from the leadership that has often prioritized aggression over pragmatism.
The leadership's rhetoric has been built around concepts like "running towards the danger" and "seeing ball, hitting ball," but in the face of defeat, there are signs that the team is on the cusp of producing something more meaningful. Brendon McCullum's admission that his players had become "so caught up and driven to succeed that we almost got in our own way" was a stunning acknowledgment that his methods, designed to free players from fear and pressure, had ultimately failed when it mattered most. This extraordinary admission was a stark contrast to the coach's usual emphasis on liberating his players from the pressures of the game.
McCullum's time in charge has been all about taking away pressure and freeing the players from fear, and here was the coach admitting that when it came to the crunch, to the biggest and toughest series his players are going to have to deal with, his methods had completely failed.
This candid acknowledgment may be the catalyst for change, as the team has now found an alternative way to remove pressure – by losing the series in double-quick time – and can approach the final two games with a fresh mindset. The worst-case scenario has been realized, with the Ashes already gone, but there is still reason to be optimistic about England's chances at the MCG. The improvements seen towards the end of the third Test suggest that the team is on an upward trajectory, with several players starting to showcase their talent and quality.
One of the key factors that could influence the outcome of the remaining games is the injury woes affecting the Australian team. With Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon potentially missing, and the team's will to win potentially diminished by the series already being decided, England may have an opportunity to end their losing run. To capitalize on this, England must maintain their spirits and build on the momentum gained in the third Test.
For Crawley, the challenge now is to consolidate his newfound approach and demonstrate real consistency, moving beyond the expectation that he simply sets the tone. By doing so, he can become a more prolific opening batter and a cornerstone of the England team. As the series draws to a close, England's late resurgence offers a glimmer of hope that they can salvage some pride and build momentum for future series.
In conclusion, while the Ashes series has been a disappointing one for England, the team's late improvement and the injuries affecting the Australian team offer a chance for England to end their losing run. With a fresh mindset and a renewed sense of purpose, England can approach the final two games with optimism and a determination to prove themselves. The future of English cricket may be brighter than it seems, and this series could be the catalyst for a new era of success.
Original: The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Written by Npsports
