Batting coach Graham Thorpe believes England can still save the first Ashes Test, provided they show character and skill on what is set to be a gruelling final day.
The hosts have been set a tough target of 398, after centuries from Steve Smith and Matthew Wade propelled Australia to 487-7 in the second innings. England were 13-0 at stumps on the fourth day, and Thorpe said they will need to show immense mental fortitude to get through 90 overs on day five.
“We have got the character,” he said. “They have to go out and use their skill, but also be smart and show character. It will not be easy, but this is Test cricket. Four days have shifted backwards and forwards, and it is on us to soak it up for one more day.”
“It has taken just three and a half days of red-ball cricket for Steve Smith to re-affirm his status as Test cricket’s most relentless run-scorer since Sir Donald Bradman.”@BillyRem_Wisden on Smith’s second masterclass in four days.https://t.co/dbUMILnGTj
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) August 4, 2019
England will be wary of Nathan Lyon, who bowled three overs before end of play yesterday, and outfoxed Rory Burns with an unplayable delivery that sharply spun and beat his outside edge. On a pitch that is turning, Lyon will be England’s biggest threat, but Thorpe is confident England can draw the Test if they bat in partnerships.
“Whatever happens during the course of the day, we hope the team can show character and skill. We are going to need all that tomorrow, because we know it will be a challenge. It is a fifth day pitch, and they have a very good spinner in their attack. We have to have the belief we can do it throughout the course of the day.
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Nathan Lyon will be England’s biggest threat on a turning fifth day pitch[/caption]
“Obviously, Lyon will be a threat but the way we are looking at it, it is putting partnerships together, not looking too far ahead, and being confident in our belief we can play the day out and keep intent to score runs as well. When trying to play for a draw, it is very important you keep the scoreboard ticking over as well.”
Thorpe also believed England’s triumph in the 2019 World Cup last month would be a source of inspiration. “A lot of the guys have gained confidence from that, no doubt. It’s a different form of the game, but there is a belief they can deal with different situations.”
