The Ashes series between England and Australia is of great interest to the cricket world. This time the English team toured down under and the first test was played at the famous "Gabba" at Brisbane. The English team had arrived in Australia a month earlier to acclimatize and make preparations for this important tour. Unfortunately, all their preparations failed and they lost the first test. It was a comprehensive win for Australia, who went one up in the five test match series. The Guardian has given an excellent account of the Australian victory.
England bat
Englands captain Joe Root won the toss and elected to bat. The old saying that winning the toss is winning half the battle did not come true, as England managed just 302, which was not a match-winning score. The English bowled well and had the Aussies on the mat when they reduced them to 76 for 4 but captain Steve Smith played a sterling knock of 141 not out and led Australia to a crucial 26 run lead. This was a match-winning inning and Smith showed determination, as he put his failures in India a season back, out of his mind.
England now batted in the second innings but inexplicably collapsed for a score of less than 200. Only the captain showed any resolve with a knock of 51, but all others did precision little.
The damage was done by Nathan Lyon a classical spinner, who reminded one of the great Indian legend Bishen Singh Bedi. Nathan made good use of the responsive track and tied the English batsmen in knots. Australia came in to bat and Dave Warner was into his stride as they ended the day with 114 for no loss, needing just 56 for a win.
Listless batting
England had thrown the game away by listless batting in the second innings. Nathan Lyon was good, but not unplayable and yet the English failed against him. Australia duly knocked off the remaining runs next day to record a comprehensive victory. Steve Smith was declared the man of the match for his innings of 141 not out.
Star sports has brought out that he batted for 526 minutes and faced 326 balls. He just hit 14 boundaries in his innings as he kept vigil at the wicket.
Next test
England will now have to regroup for the next test that will be played at Adelaide. This sports a turning wicket and England will have to counter the Aussie spinners again. Joe Root will be hoping that his star batsman AN Cook will do better. He failed as an opener in both innings of this test and opened the gates to the Aussies. The series has generated a lot of interest but England will have to perform better to make a comeback. Their defeat by 10 wickets will have an effect on their morale.
