Coach Brendon McCullum urged England fans to “keep the faith”. He refused to change his team’s approach. This came after England’s humiliating capitulation in the first Ashes Test in Perth.
England suffered an eight-wicket defeat inside two days. Their cavalier attacking game backfired spectacularly. Critics have dubbed this approach “Bazball” after the coach’s nickname.
Batting collapses destroyed England’s chances in Perth. Travis Head smashed a sensational 69-ball century. This combination condemned England to another defeat in Australia.
The visitors now face an uphill task. Four Tests remain in the series. The second match begins in Brisbane on December 4 as a day-night encounter.
Critics savaged England back home following Saturday’s defeat.
“Keep the faith,” McCullum told reporters. The New Zealander addressed England fans directly through the media.
“Sometimes we get beaten and it looks pretty ugly,” he admitted. “However, this mentality allows us to believe in our abilities.”
“We don’t always get it right,” McCullum continued. “But we must believe in our approach because it gives us the best chance.”
“Being one down in the series doesn’t change our beliefs. We must stay calm and stay together. We will plot our way back into this series.”
England last claimed an Ashes series in Australia 15 years ago. Since then, they have lost 14 Tests in Australia. They have drawn two matches and won none.
England had a perfect opportunity in Perth. They could have snapped their dire streak. Victory would have provided psychological advantage heading into Brisbane’s pink-ball encounter.
The tourists reached 160-5 on day one. Then disaster struck as they lost five wickets for 12 runs. England were bowled out for 172 in their first innings.
England dismissed Australia for 132. This gave them the advantage temporarily. They reached 65-1 in their second innings and looked well-placed.
England threw away their position once again. They lost five wickets in quick succession. This left Australia chasing just 205 runs.
Australia achieved their target with ease. The hosts completed victory with eight wickets to spare.
