England Ramp Up Preparations After Perth Humiliation
England's cricket team has taken decisive action following their humbling two-day defeat in the first Ashes Test at Perth, scheduling an extra day of training to prepare for the crucial day/night second Test at Brisbane's Gabba. Ben Stokes's side now has the option to train for five days ahead of the pivotal match, which begins on Thursday.
The Pink-Ball Challenge and a Stark Record
The upcoming pink-ball Test presents a unique challenge, played partly under floodlights, which demands different skills from the traditional red-ball game played in daylight. This is an area where Australia holds a formidable advantage. The hosts have won 13 of their 14 day/night matches, while England have a far less impressive record, having won only two of their seven pink-ball Tests. Alarmingly for the tourists, this includes three defeats out of three played on Australian soil.
With an 11-day gap between Tests created by the early finish in Perth, and with none of England's first-choice players heading to Canberra for a tour match, the team has added a Saturday session at Brisbane's Allan Border Field to their diary. The ECB confirmed that four days of training were already scheduled, with sessions on Monday and Wednesday taking place under lights to simulate match conditions.
Pitch Controversy and Team News
The Perth Stadium pitch, which saw the first Test conclude after a mere 847 balls – making it the shortest completed Ashes Test since 1888 – was surprisingly rated 'very good' by the ICC, its highest possible grading. In contrast, Gabba groundsman Dave Sandurski has stated his aim for the second Test is to "provide a wicket where all players get a chance to perform their skills, so hopefully all facets of the game come into the match."
Australia look set to welcome back captain Pat Cummins for the Brisbane Test after he missed the series opener. Cummins, who has not played since July due to a lower back injury, was seen bowling with a pink ball in Sydney, fuelling speculation about his return. The Aussies' only concern is Usman Khawaja, who struggled with back spasms in Perth.
England, meanwhile, have no new injury worries but face selection dilemmas after a dire batting collapse. Opener Zak Crawley is under particular pressure after recording a 'pair' – two ducks – in the first Test.
