Stoneman is a survival expert
MARK STONEMAN admits England’s batsmen have faced sub-standard opposition in the build-up to the Ashes – but has revealed they have been put through ‘survival’ drills to ensure they are ready for Australia’s pace attack.
Stoneman scored the first century by an England batsman on this tour yesterday, posting 111 on day two of the tourists’ final warm-up game against a Cricket Australia XI.
It was the Surrey opener’s fourth 50-plus score in as many innings and, while that will stand him in good stead ahead of next week’s first Ashes Test in Brisbane, the truth is England have faced nothing quicker than medium pace on slow pitches during their past two games against CA XIs in Adelaide and here in Townsville. “Everyone is critical of the opposition we’ve faced,” said Stoneman.
“We can’t change it. We’ve got what we’ve been given. It’s probably one of the weaker seam attacks you’d be facing in Division One.
“More often than not, though, you’re getting a bit more on offer for the bowlers with the Dukes ball in English conditions. In terms of how I’ve played, I’m fairly happy and it feels like my game is in good order.
“It’s going to be tested a hell of a lot more next week. There’s no doubt about that and everyone’s aware of it.”
Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s triumvirate of fast bowlers all capable of bowling in excess of 90mph, will be a far tougher proposition when the first Test starts at the Gabba next Thursday.
That is why England’s batsmen have been beasted in the nets, batting coach Mark Ramprakash giving them shortrange throw-downs with the lighter indoor Kookaburra ball to replicate the pace they are expected to face during the Ashes.
Ramprakash has put the batsmen through four overs of ‘survival’ drills, with those dismissed forced to do 10 press-ups. “They are yellow balls, slightly lighter and travel quite quick, and it allows him to go all out as fast as he can and really test your instincts and reactions, just to try to ramp things up a bit,” said Stoneman.
“It’s really testing and it’s something we’ve used on this trip because we know what we’re coming up against.
“I’d say the session we had the other day when he really cranked it up and it was a four-over survival drill where there was plenty whizzing past your nose, that’s as fast as I’ve faced in my career.”
Despite the paucity of opposition, England were pleased to pile up the runs here.
Alastair Cook posted his first halfcentury since August, eventually falling for 70 but showing some decent fluency and form at the crease after a scratchy start to the tour. Captain Joe Root and No5 Dawid Malan also scored unbeaten halfcenturies as England closed on 337-3, a lead of 87.
And Stoneman believes Cook is back to his best.
“He has the experience to fall back on and I’m sure he’s comfortable with where he’s at,” said Stoneman. “Once his adrenaline is pumping and he has Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood staring down at him, that will get him really up for it. That’s when we’ll see the best of him.”
Stoneman and Cook spent 40 overs putting on an opening stand of 172, another good sign ahead of the Ashes.
“The longer you’re out there together, the more it helps gel that partnership and it’s going to be one of the key factors against the Aussie new-ball bowlers,” said Stoneman.
“If we can do our job, blunt them and put on some good partnerships, then it will get us in some good positions.”
Everyone is critical of the opposition we’ve faced