The third Test of the men’s Ashes series this summer has drastically changed the spotlight in the on-going battle between Australia and England. As performances have ebbed and flowed, the series has gone on to reaffirm why Test cricket is one of the best formats around. Big names such as Gus Atkinson, Alex Carey and Harry Brook delivered when it mattered. No matter the score, it was their performances that most defined how that match would go.
Gus Atkinson was clearly seen as an exciting potential long-term option, but he has not been right in the series and has just three wickets. His performance thus far has led to serious doubts about whether he can take the heat of the high-stakes competition. The eyes will be on him as fans and analysts everywhere will be waiting for that first big performance.
The batting of Alex Carey was a real shining beacon throughout that entire series. He cut the first ball he faced to backward point for a very fortunate drop. It was his phenomenal glovework that truly turned the tide behind the stumps. It was Carey’s poise under the most extreme pressure that enabled him to steer the Australian innings past a dangerous tipping point.
Jake Weatherald was another feature performer, giving Australia the impetus they required in the first innings. His debut Test half-century did more than just add runs on the board. It served to inspire confidence within his teammates as well. Weatherald’s success should remind us just how crucial emerging players can be to a team’s overall chemistry.
On the England side, Harry Brook had a tough night. His pursuit of Mitchell Starc in the twilight was particularly expensive, representing the nadir of his showing. Second Test In his second innings, Brook was simply done by a great delivery. His original gaffe has brought down a firestorm of criticism from outraged commentators and rabid fans.
At the same time, Joe Root has magnificently filled the shoes of regular captain Pat Cummins who has taken a break from the tournament. Root’s leadership has been on point, making sure that England did not lose focus for a moment during the match. His calming presence on the field has been key, offering stability amid the chaos of a tumultuous defensive overhaul.
Ollie Pope’s performance, though, attracted criticism after he had the temerity to play a terrible shot in the first innings. This foolish shot lost England runs they could not afford and served as a stark reminder of the need for disciplined shot-making under pressure. The considerable weight of the Ashes series can sometimes constrict the room to think, creating rash decisions that later affect the match result.
Will Jacks left an indelible mark on the Test by completing a breathtaking catch that crushed England’s resistance. It was his athleticism and awareness on the field that showcased his elite abilities. Then, with the match at a crisis point, he flipped the match momentum back toward the Wallabies.
Scott Boland’s form has been the other major worry for Australia. He has been someone who’s always been able to bowl games for you in Tests. If to go by his recent play, you’d think he’s exceeding at this moment in time. What’s Next Analysts will be looking closely to see if Boland can get back somewhere close to his best in the fixtures ahead.
Absolutely the biggest revelation has been Jofra Archer’s hitting ability. He proved he can dominate so strongly with the bat as he does with the ball. His performance not only added much-needed runs to England’s total but showed what an all-rounder he has the potential to be and what any winning team needs.
Steve Smith met a different trial altogether, one in the shape of an amazing athletic fair catch. This outrage served to again showcase the lottery of cricket, where even the best players are susceptible to bastardry in the form of amazing fielding efforts.
Mitchell Starc continued to be an invaluable weapon for Australia. He hit not only runs of critical importance but led another fearsome assailment on England’s batting order. His double threat is a big part of why he’s still one of the most dominant players in all of Australia’s series – on both ends.
Finally, Ben Stokes was a picture of excellence and disaster the entire test. He proved to be the match winner by dropping Alex Carey on the stroke of a first innings collapse. Yet he came roaring back strong despite being knocked down himself by Smith. This remarkable resilience is just another example of Stokes’ competitive spirit and tenacity to be a leader who sets the right example.
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