AB de Villiers praise Australia’s short-ball strategy. At the close of Day 2 of the second Ashes Test, England were 278/4.
Both Australia and England had ups and downs on Day 2 of the second Ashes Test. After a thrilling two-wicket victory in the first Test, the Australians followed it up with a magnificent batting performance on Day 2 of the second Test.
After losing the toss and electing to bat first, Australia scored 416 runs in the first innings. The ‘Bazball’ strategy was in full flow as the hosts got off to a booming start as Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett supplied the side with just the start that they needed.
Also Read: Amol Muzumdar and Tushar Arothe are the frontrunners for the post of women’s head coach
Crawley hit 48 runs off 48 balls before being caught by Nathan Lyon in the 18th over
Duckett helped England’s batting after the first wicket fell, scoring 98 runs off 134 deliveries.
As the English batters appear to be set on the crease. Australia needed a masterclass in strategy to make a significant breakthrough. Skipper Pat Cummins and the other pacers unleashed a barrage of bouncers, resulting in fast wickets for the set hitters.
Ollie Pope was removed for 42 runs in 63 deliveries by Josh Hazlewood in the 39th over. Duckett dismiss for 98 runs in 134 balls by Josh Hazlewood in the 43rd over. Joe Root dismiss for 10 runs by Mitchell Starc in the 46th over.
“When a fast bowler who is also the captain and can bat realizes that no one is in complete control or comfortable against the short ball.” “Quality short bowling to the right field placement makes even the best in the world uncomfortable,” AB de Villiers tweeted.
“Credit to Cummins for taking, and more crucially, sticking with, this path. While Eng appeared to be dominating procedures, Australia opened it up here. Cricket is astute. Very enjoyable. Keep in mind that this pitch is fairly low and sluggish! “Imagine,” he continued.
