Take on our quicks, England, but beware Lyon’s spin, too
ENGLAND need to take the attack to the Australian bowlers this winter – or risk becoming a blunt instrument against the Aussies’ razor-sharp pace line-up.
That’s the warning from John Buchanan, the most successful coach in Australian history, who led his side to three Ashes triumphs with the 2005 series defeat to England, the only blot.
Buchanan said: “The England coach Trevor Bayliss obviously knows the conditions well and his knowledge and experience will be invaluable in setting England up for the first Test and obviously the series. But England cannot simply be ‘blunters’ of the pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.
“Alastair Cook must help anchor the innings but must also score runs, as must numbers two and three.
“They can’t wait for Joe Root and the middle order to pick up the run rate as by then it will be too late.”
That was certainly a criticism of England on the last Ashes tour, with the emphasis on selfpreservation and countering the pace of Mitchell Johnson rendering England virtually strokeless for long periods.
As a result the pressure on the rest of the England batsmen mounted to such an extent that Australia’s bowlers were free to attack relentlessly.
Only Ben Stokes, with a magnificent counter-punching innings in Perth, was able to challenge Australia’s bowling plans.
Nathan Lyon was very much the unsung hero in that Aussie attack four years ago, bowling with admirable control while always posing a threat to England batsmen who were naturally relieved to have a break from the endless trial by speed.
Lyon took 19 wickets in the series and Buchanan believes that the way England tackle his bowling will be as crucial as how they cope with the barrage from Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood.
“Lyon is the dangerman of the Australian attack as he can bowl with the new ball, or any time, to the England batsmen,” he said.
“So if England’s batsmen negotiate the pace, they need to find techniques to get on top of Lyon early. If they don’t, then it’s going to be very hard for them to push home any advantage.
“At the Gabba, spin is a good option on the first morning and early afternoon as there will be a little bit of moisture. Good spinners, like Lyon, have been very successful by controlling bounce and flight.”
If Australia win the toss and put England in on that opening morning then the pressure facing Cook and his opening partner, Mark Stoneman, will be enormous.