The Tactical Masterstroke
With a bit of imagination—perhaps after a long flight or some retro anxiety pills—one could argue that England once executed a tactical coup. Faced with the threat of Mitchell Starc bowling in the twilight around 6 p.m. Brisbane time, it could have been wise to let him bat in sweltering conditions for four hours first, exhausting him for their openers to attack.
Starc’s Valuable Contributions
Starc might have pondered this as he weighed whether to play aggressively or focus on accumulating runs. Ultimately, he decided that each run contributed to Australia’s lead, scoring 77 runs off 141 balls—just shy of his highest score and with a lengthy innings alongside Scott Boland, who added an unbeaten 21 runs. Their partnership wore down the English bowlers.
The Comeback of Old Tactics
In a rapidly evolving game of Test cricket, the recent modifications to the day-night format have made it beneficial to reintroduce traditional strategies. Defensive play remains essential, despite England’s belief that quick scoring is what captivates spectators. It seems audiences can appreciate a measured and tactical slowdown.
Batting for Time
Starc’s early appearance in the first session, following Michael Neser’s dismissal, and his prolonged innings took Australia’s total from 383 for seven to 491 for nine. The crucial aspect wasn’t just the lead of 177 runs; it was about batting for time, allowing Australia to utilize a new ball at dusk. By extending their innings, they created moments of victory with each over faced.
Farming the Strike
Starc’s approach involved carefully managing the strike during the 75-run partnership with Boland, punctuating the innings with boundaries only when warranted. England’s defensive fielding allowed him the freedom to play his game, focusing on accumulation rather than aggression.
England’s Struggles
After enduring Starc’s innings, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett began boldly, scoring 48 runs off 46 balls during a lively start. However, Australia had made the price worth it. Starc’s efforts offered a substantial cushion, which less prolific bowlers like Neser could exploit while waiting for errors.
Turning Point in England’s Innings
Although England had managed to survive Starc temporarily, they lost wickets steadily, reaching 97 for three. Starc’s return brought pace and temptation outside the off-stump, leading to Joe Root’s dismissal as he chased a drive. Soon after, Starc’s impressive bowling removed Jamie Smith, highlighting England’s struggles in both batting and bowling disciplines that day.
