Test Match Special The Ashes: England on the brink in Brisbane
Dec 6, 2025
Former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath shares his expert insights on how to exploit England's batting weaknesses, emphasizing the need for adaptability in challenging conditions. England's assistant coach, Marcus Trescothick, discusses the team's tactics and preparation after a tough day, asserting the importance of partnerships to turn the tide. The conversation also touches on the debate over England's readiness for pink-ball cricket and their internal pressures, highlighting contrasting perspectives and missed opportunities.
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Australia's Pink-Ball Blueprint
- Australia showed how to play pink-ball Test cricket by batting patiently to reach the night session and then accelerating.
- Michael Vaughan said England failed to adapt their tactics and timing of field positions.
Predictable Patterns Hurt England
- England's overall approach across formats lacks sensible, situational cricket according to Jonathan Agnew and Michael Vaughan.
- They argued players persist with predictable errors rather than adapting session by session.
Use Selection To Enforce Accountability
- Drop players who repeatedly fail to adapt so selection creates internal pressure and accountability.
- Jonathan Agnew insisted a selection system must enforce consequences for repeated poor performances.