'Nothing but a horses-for-courses strategy': Why England had to turn to Bazball because of its player pool
Bazball was developed as a strategy devised to use the resources efficiently rather than revolutionize the system.
After a rain-interrupted first day, England find themselves in a precarious position heading into Day 2 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Headingley. Join The Roar for live scores from 8pm (AEST).
England were supposed to win this series quite easily – but no one told that to the Sri Lankan medium pace bowler Dasun Shanaka who would end the day with three wickets, all of which came within a few overs before the lunch break, bringing England to their knees.
Only 53 overs were bowled on Day 1 of the match with a pitch that was less than easy to bat on, and rain interfering in the evening session.
England went about their business slowly during the early goings, reaching 49 off 20 overs before captain Alistair Cook fell to Shanaka for 16. Both Nick Compton and Joe Root then went for ducks leaving England in all sorts at lunch.
Debutant James Vince came and went for nine, and Ben Stokes for 12 with England at 5 for 83 before Alex Hales – who opened the innings – joined with Johnny Bairstow to play potentially his best ever Test innings. The pair ended the day on 71 not out and 54 not out respectively, guiding England to 5 for 171.
Most of Sri Lanka’s bowlers were economical and bowled consistently throughout the day, making life hard for Hales and Bairstow, but the pair stayed focused on the task at hand and did a superb job.
With only Moeen Ali to come in the way of England’s batting, this partnership and whether it continues on or not is an absolute key to this game. On a pitch that offered plenty to the bowlers, the first half an hour of Day 2 will be incredibly important.
Sri Lanka aren’t known for their batting prowess so need to find a way to dismiss England very quickly – with some suggestions saying 150 might have been good enough for England, a mark they have already passed.
James Anderson will be the key when England come out to field – and he could have an absolute field day on this pitch against the brittle batting line up of Sri Lanka.
It should be an absolutely enthralling day’s play that could well decide the direction of this match, and all the early pressure is on England, but with a pitch that looks less than easy to bat on – Sri Lanka can’t afford to be in the field for much longer.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores of Day 2 from 8pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde