Pessimistic and optimistic: two sides to the Ashes
Peter Roebuck says in the Sun-Herald that Australia are searching for the way forward, while England continue to play open and attacking cricket.
Peter English
25-Feb-2013
Peter Roebuck says in the Sun-Herald that Australia are searching for the way forward, while England continue to play open and attacking cricket.
Not so long ago, the Poms might have batted out their match against South Australia. Now they threw the contest open with a declaration. Not so long ago, England were desperate to avoid embarrassment. Now they seek victory and then prepare to send their top bowlers to Brisbane a week early to acclimatise. Unmistakably, the momentum is with the visitors.
Australian also need to embrace the adventurous spirit. Nothing condemns a side more certainly than negativity. At present an anxious mood has formed around the team and it needs to be dispersed. It is the inevitable result of the struggle endured by a handful of players worried about their places. Cricketers under the pump become introspective, fearful of error. Before long, the entire team is ill at ease and poorly placed to resist a more outgoing opponent.
Peter English is former Australasia editor of ESPNcricinfo