Ashes 2017-18, 2nd Test – Who Said What

After a loss in the Ashes opener, England was adamant for a win in the Adelaide Test. For the first time in the ongoing series, the Lions looked convincing for a win on the back of some incredible bowling performance on the penultimate day of the second Test. With the game evenly poised, the final day looked promising for something special. And it didn’t disappoint. England was full of hope heading into the final day of play, but it only lasted two balls before the Aussie quicks began to put the tourists to the sword.

Australia stuttered to a 138 all-out in their second essay, courtesy James Anderson‘s first ever five-wicket haul in the country and gave England an outside chance in a 354-run chase. England’s batting in response tried to imitate the intent and fell prey to Australia’s fuller lengths, something England just couldn’t do on the first morning.

However, England’s fifth-day collapse handed the hosts a much needed 2-0 lead. This Test was about one captaincy goof-up being less functional than the other. Following the loss, England skipper came under the spotlight for his disastrous decision to send Australia in to bat on day one after winning the toss.

Australian Captain – Steve Smith

The Aussie skipper conceded that although at one point everything was going downhill, the boys did good work to pull back the match. He credited the impeccable performance put up by both the batting and the bowling department. The right-hander also extended the courtesy to the Barmy Army for being terrific spectators.

“Was a little bit nervous last night but we always had the faith in the team. We thought if we got our lengths right today, things can happen quickly. We weren’t too far from the new ball, which was exciting. Credit to the boys for showing some character. It is a top class attack. Really proud of their achievements. Shaun was phenomenal. The way he played in the 1st innings after being sent in, I think it was an incredible hundred. I haven’t thought too much about the follow-on call. Would have had we lost. A lot of people have been asking that question (chuckles). Fortunately, we won the game, so doesn’t make much of a difference now. Day-night Test cricket is a fantastic product. The support we had, here, was amazing. And the Barmy Army have been pretty amazing too. A terrific Test match.”

England Captain- Joe Root

Root was disappointed after the loss, especially when the Lions looked to be in the driver’s seat at the end of Day 4. He also extended the courtesy for his brilliant knock, who was later awarded the player of the match.

“We had high hopes. The way we went about yesterday has to be the benchmark for the rest of the series. We showed a lot of character. The way our senior players stood up and bowled them out for what we did, and then go on with the bat, was excellent. Today is disappointing. We are massively in the series. We showed that in the way we played yesterday. You can say that now (on his decision to bowl first). If you look at the conditions and the way the ball moved around, we were massively in the game. We couldn’t take the wickets early. Credit to Shaun Marsh, who played really well. The support we have had over the last few days has been outstanding. Barmy Army and everyone’s who followed us – as a team, we can’t thank them enough.”

Player of the Match- Shaun Marsh

 “Unbelievable feeling. To get a hundred was a great feeling. The way the bowlers came out and finished the job was amazing. Very happy overall. Looking forward to playing at hometown Perth. Few days to recharge and we’ll have a crack at Perth.”