Five takeaways from the first Ashes 2019 Test
Australia were too good for England in the first Ashes 2019 Test at Edgbaston. The defending Ashes champions overwhelmed England by a staggering 251 runs to take a crucial 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Australia turned things around remarkably after being in trouble. Steve Smith led the way with two career-defining centuries. Here are the five takeaways from the first Ashes 2019 Test.
Smith's sensational comeback rules Edgbaston show
Smith's return to the red-ball cricket was the major headline of this Test. The senior cricketer ruled the proceedings with two match-winning centuries (144 and 142). Credit to Smith for making batting look so pleasing to the eye. His placements, timing and the way he absorbed pressure were the major attributes. His Test average of 62.96 shows why he is cut above the rest.
Tale of two spinners on a slow surface
This was a pitch that got slower as the Test match progressed. There was turn and uneven bounce which made things difficult. Nathan Lyon, who raced to 350 Test scalps, stood out for Australia. He picked up nine wickets that included 6-49 in England's second-innings. Meanwhile, England's Moeen Ali was ineffective. He offered nothing and didn't have any control over his length.
England's risk with Anderson doesn't pay off
England's decision to include James Anderson was always going to be a risky one. The pacer had missed the Ireland Test due to a calf injury. And things went haywire as Anderson bowled just four before being sidelined. That led to England being a quality bowler short. The English bowlers looked tired in the second innings as Smith blunted them with his solid approach.
Root's failure to convert starts a trend
It was a familiar tale with Joe Root, who being England's best batsman failed to get those big knocks. In 2017-18 Ashes, Root had mustered five half-centuries. The inability to convert them into hundreds cost England. At Edgbaston, the skipper amassed scores of 57 and 28. He needed to get a big score like that of Smith to keep England in the hunt.
Cummins was a star act for the visitors
Australia's pace attack was once again led by world number one bowler Pat Cummins. He picked up seven wickets in the match to show his growing influence. Cummins started from where he left off in the 2017-18 Ashes. His bouncer to dismiss Rory Burns in the second innings was one of the best deliveries of the Test match.
