THE ASHES 2017-18

Buoyant Australia well poised to ride on momentum

by Tristan Lavalette • Last updated on

Steve Smith was pleased with his team's efforts in the first Test © Getty

A determined and well-prepared England threw everything at an unsettled Australia in the opening three days of the first Test in an absorbing battle of cat and mouse.

Eventually, Australia's firepower and superstars came to the fore and England's first Test dreams quickly spiralled - in a bitter blow to their Ashes campaign. Australia's maligned batting looked wobbly but it doesn't seem to really matter on home terrain when Steve Smith and Dave Warner keep scoring runs at will.

In a welcome tonic, debutant opener Cameron Bancroft looked a natural at the top and seems to be the answer to Australia's troublesome riddle of finding Warner a stable partner. Displaying a stout defence and unwavering temperament, the 24-year-old was totally unruffled to compile his first Test half-century and help ensure Australia make an early resounding statement with a 10-wicket victory.

Even the spotlight over the "headbutt" scandal failed to deter a focused Bancroft, who looms as the ideal juxtaposition to the left-handed Warner's pyrotechnics. At the post-Test presser on Monday (November 27), Bancroft remained unflappable amid the firestorm over the Bairstow incident. Displaying a healthy dose of humour, Bancroft's innate self-effacing personality is a welcome injection for a team that sometimes takes itself too seriously.

Even though he was thrust into a bizarre saga, Bancroft enjoyed a memorable Test debut. "It's been fantastic, a dream to play for Australia," he said. "It's been absolutely fantastic. Great to get a win with the guys."

Bancroft's stellar play amid a comprehensive Australian victory is likely to overshadow the team's wobbly batting even though recalled veteran Shaun Marsh scored a gritty half-century in a decisive partnership with captain Steve Smith when England were in the ascendency.

Usman Khawaja, the struggling No.3, is a walking question mark and perished to offspinner Moeen Ali in his sole innings - underlying his deficiencies against the turning ball. Still, even though Khawaja and No.5 Peter Handscomb are out-of-form, Australia is likely to stick with the winning formula despite Glenn Maxwell's lingering temptation after the mercurial allrounder clubbed a double ton in the Sheffield Shield.

As forecast ahead of the series, the difference between the teams lies in the respective bowling attacks. England relies heavily on spearheads James Anderson and Stuart Broad but have little in the cupboard after that. In a clear strategy, Australia's batsmen - even the pugnacious Warner - basically stonewalled the brilliant seamers before unleashing on England's pedestrian supporting cast.

Enviously, Australia boasts a star-studded attack that -frighteningly for England - didn't even fire on all cylinders. Mitchell Starc - despite his six-wicket haul - was erratic at times and partner-in-crime Josh Hazlewood bowled within himself.

Showcasing the pair's talents, they made contributions at opportune moments and will undoubtedly be better second up after extended periods on the Test sidelines. Playing his first home Test, Pat Cummins was the team's best quick, while offspiner Nathan Lyon's continual menace ensured he stole the show.

It all means that Australia - testament to their riches - can still overwhelm even when half of their frontline attack is misfiring. For all the flashbacks to Mitchell Johnson's astonishing evisceration of a stricken England four years ago, Australia don't need to rely on one bowler to get the job done. Wickets are likely to be shared around, which is exactly the way Smith will like it knowing he has four genuine match-winning options at his disposal.

After all the ballyhoo in the lead-up, Australia found the right formula of controlled aggression during the backend of the Test. Smith said Australia would continue to press home the advantage in what shapes as a crux historic day-night second Testin Adelaide starting on December 2.

"We will continue to play the same way, nice and aggressively," Smith told reporters on Monday (November 27). "This has been a really good week for us. We had to fight after the first three days. To get the result we were after was pleasing."

Despite being red hot favourites, Australia faced having egg on face after a sluggish start to the Test - which threatened to make a mockery of their pre-series confidence. There was also added pressure due to their Ashes selection bombshells. While Bancroft and Marsh proved inspired choices, question marks hover over wicketkeeper Tim Paine, who dropped an early catch and failed with the bat. Although the shock Tasmanian inclusion thrived as the match wore on, highlighted by a brilliant stumping to dismiss dangerman Moeen on day four in a key moment of the match.

Smith said there was "never any negativity" over the makeup of the team. "We were very happy with the team we picked," he said. "After a shaky start, I think this team has the potential to do some really good things."

For all the talk of a bumper barrage, Australia's quicks largely held off on the promise apart from a calculated assault on England's tentative tail. With the pink ball set to menace under Adelaide Oval's pristine lights, Smith warned England to expect another onslaught.

"The Adelaide wicket might bring some of their bowlers into the game but it is one of the quickest wickets at night," he said. "I think we have made our intentions clear on how we are going to bowl to the tail... they can expect a barrage."

© Cricbuzz

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