It has been less than a month, three weeks to be precise, since England were crowned world champions. But their thrashing against Australia in the first Ashes Test suggests that three weeks is a long time in cricket.
AP
After lifting the World Cup on July 14, England came into the Ashes as hot favourites. They might still win it, but a 251-run loss in the first Test has put question marks over their ability and attitude. They were in a great position after the first two days, but let it all slip in the proceeding three days.
After restricting Australia to 284 in the first innings, thanks to Stuart Broad's five wicket haul, England replied with 374, thus taking a lead of 90 runs. Advantage, England. After bowling well in the first innings and putting Aussies under the pump, English bowlers flattered to deceive in the second innings.?
AP
English bowlers were wayward, fragile and short on intensity, and Australians took full toll and pounded on the misery. A Steve Smith hundred, his second in the match, and a brilliant hundred of his own for Matthew Wade, and Australia declared after putting up a commanding 487 on the board. Meaning England needed 398 to win.?
Fox Sports
After negotiating the quota of six overs left on Day 4 without losing a wicket, England fell like nine pins on Day 5. A lot was expected from the English batting, that has dominated the opponents in last few years, but they were a shade of their former selves. A six wicket haul for Nathan Lyon meant England were bowled out for partly 146. A 251 run margin, is what they felt short by.
AP
A wake up call, and a reminder that the World Cup honeymoon is over. After being in a great position, and ending up losing by such a big margin, it would give no team comfort or confidence. Both English batting and bowling flopped in the second innings.?
The second Test doesn't take place until August 14, and England will be looking to get their house in order. With James Anderson set to miss the game through injury and their batting still shabby, English have their work cut out.?