Three ways to level up the series

ENGLAND have been given a stiff reminder of just what Ashes cricket is all about and it ain’t going to change from here to Sydney.

The Australians have done what they’ve done for more than a century and it worked a treat yet again, but England must find a way to be equal to it for not just three days but for five.

In every department Australia were just a bit better than England and their skipper Steve Smith was the major difference. But they should be right up for it in Adelaide and have got a great chance to level the series in the day/night Test where their bowlers will be more effective and where Australia might not feel quite as at home as in Brisbane. But there are three areas where England must improve to get back into this series. The biggest improvement must come in the way they play the short stuff. Puff your chest out, take a blow or two and show that you will not be intimidated. Do not give your wicket away with an airy-fairy swish. Nathan Lyon bowled with great skill and control, but we made it easier than we should have done for him.

England have got a few left-handers and if they just let him bowl and bring slip into play they will be stuffed. They must give him something to think about.

And I want us to change how we go about bowling to the Aussie tail starting with Pat Cummins. England have to stick it up him from the off and not let him settle. If they can get those things sorted, we can go to Perth level at 1-1.