It was a brilliant Test match set up byEngland’s ultra-attacking approach,but Bazball might be in danger of pushing the boundaries of cricketing common sense too far. An over-attacking declaration half an hour from the end of play on day one and some overzealous batting,particularly in England’s second innings,left the door open for Australia. It is the second time in three Tests that England have lost after declaring.
The match was in the balance until England captain Ben Stokes,a reluctant bowler these days because of a chronic left knee problem,brought himself on to bowl the 70th over with Australia still requiring 78 to win.
In his second over,Stokes induced Australia’s foundation,Usman Khawaja,to chop on for 65 from 197 balls,and the writing was on the wall.