England’s Hubris Early In Cricket’s Biggest Series Proves Costly

The popular British Commonwealth sport of cricket can be rather perplexing for those not up to speed with it.

Thus it might seem baffling that Australian fans – and probably their players – were giddy that there was almost no play possible over the last two days of the crucial fourth Ashes Test due to Manchester’s infamous weather.

The tame result ensured Australia’s retention of the Ashes urn with a 2-1 lead over England ahead of the series finale at The Oval.

It was an anti-climax for a pulsating series peppered with nail-biting endings.

But it fizzled out as the excitement was confined to social media where pundits suddenly morphed into meteorologists as predictions went awry.

England’s notorious weather, as many observers noted, repaid Australia captain Pat Cummins – a vocal climate advocate – in spades as the visitors somewhat sheepishly celebrated escaping with the draw they needed albeit having been totally outplayed at Old Trafford.

England, however, have only themselves to blame after walking a tightrope following narrow losses in the opening two Tests.

They won’t publicly admit it – it’s not ingrained in their ultra positive style dubbed ‘Bazball’ – but England will rue their hubristic approach to start the series.

Entering cricket’s biggest series, where the focus was almost entirely on England’s quest to play essentially the sport’s version of bully ball, the home team seemingly drank their own bath water and repeatedly let the initiative slip in the opening two Tests.

None more so than captain Ben Stokes gifting Australia a declaration on the opening day of the series, which may have proven the difference in the two-wicket result.

England then doubled down on their approach at Lord’s and their kamikaze batting after Australia star spinner Nathan Lyon hobbled off injured again yielded disastrous results.

Since the furore over wicketkeeper Alex Carey’s controversial dismissal on Jonny Bairstow, England have seemingly refocused and smartly somewhat reined in their approach.

They played at a much better tempo and found the opportune moments when to be ultra-aggressive – like their premediated plans to take down bowlers early in their spells.

It seemed like a calculated plan, unlike their manic start to the series where a disciplined and veteran Australian team made them look rather foolish.

Aided by the inclusions of speedster Mark Wood and seam bowler Chris Woakes, England had finally imposed their will on a jaded Australia wilting having played five Tests in six weeks.

Manchester’s weather and resolute batting from Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh during brief play on day four halted England’s charge. Now they can only merely replicate their feats from four years ago when England salvaged a 2-2 draw by winning the fifth Test.

Putting aside all the jingoism between these arch-rivals, amplified by the Carey dismissal which ignited culture wars between the countries, it is surely a letdown that this memorable series will not have a final Test decider – a winner takes all shootout.

Cricket in the U.K. can often feel almost niche, it’s well behind the behemoth of soccer, but this was a a golden opportunity for the sport to take center stage this week.

Much like the fourth Test’s conclusion, there’s a feeling of what might have been. The dull ending in Manchester ensured this series can no longer sit alongside the 2005 epic – this generation’s greatest Test cricket contest.

But there is still plenty to play for with Australia attempting to win a series outright in the U.K. for the first time in 22 years, while England will want to cement their brand of cricket.

With the fifth Test starting on Thursday, England will need to quickly shake from their slumber because a 3-1 defeat will not sit well.

No matter how entertaining their style of play might be.