Is England Underperforming at Just 20% of Their Potential in the Ashes?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Stuart Broad highlights England's significant underperformance.
- England is currently playing at only 20% of their potential.
- The team faces rising frustration amidst their struggles.
- Australia capitalized on early mistakes to build a substantial lead.
- Ben Stokes and Will Jacks are showing promise in the second innings.
New Delhi, Dec 7 (NationPress) Former bowler Stuart Broad expresses that there is a sense of dissatisfaction within the England team regarding their performance on Day 3, indicating that Ben Stokes' squad is currently operating at merely 20 percent of their capabilities during this ongoing day-night Ashes Test at the Gabba.
Even after losing Alex Carey early on Day 3, Australia managed to recover impressively, amassing a strong total of 511, thanks in part to the significant contributions from Mitchell Starc (77) and Scott Boland's (21) vital 75-run partnership for the ninth wicket.
In their second innings, England began positively, scoring 48 runs in the initial seven overs. However, the Australian bowlers dominated, dismantling the England top order, leaving them at 134/6 by the end of Day 3.
Broad commented on SEN cricket, stating, "There is certainly some frustration. This is a very talented group, yet they are performing at only about 20 percent of their potential throughout these five days of Ashes cricket."
He added, "When facing a team that you perceive to be 'significantly better,' you can understand the situation. However, I don't believe anyone in England views this Australian team as being categorically superior to the English squad."
Broad continued, "England is inadvertently providing opportunities to Australia, and if you do that in Australia, you will inevitably face numerous challenges."
As they resumed their innings from an overnight score of 134/6, Ben Stokes and Will Jacks are steadily reducing Australia's lead, reaching lunch without losing a wicket, while also establishing a 50-run partnership.
Australia came close to breaking their partnership, with Stokes narrowly escaping dismissal on 30, edging the ball over Cameron Green in the slips, which sped to the boundary.
Despite some commendable bowling, Australian bowlers have struggled to disrupt the partnership between Stokes and Jacks, who have now accumulated 65 runs together, giving England a narrow 16-run lead heading into Tea.