In a remarkable shift from their usual aggressive style, England abandoned Bazball and resorted to conventional Test cricket during the fourth day of the Brisbane Test. Beginning their innings at 134 for 6, the visitors needed only 43 runs to avoid the embarrassment of an innings defeat, prompting a measured, risk-averse approach.
Attempting high-risk shots in such circumstances could have led to an immediate collapse. Instead, England focused on solid defensive batting, drawing from the techniques popularised in the Royes era. The result: survival and the preservation of hope.
The key to England’s stability was the seventh-wicket stand between captain Ben Stokes and Will Jacks. This partnership added 60 runs from 165 deliveries, keeping Australia at bay through the opening session. England’s total reached 193 for 6, edging their lead to 16 runs.
The pitch offered some slow deliveries, but Stokes and Jacks were untroubled, denying Australian bowlers the breakthroughs they desperately sought. Stokes remained unbeaten on 36 from 112 balls, while Jacks contributed 25 from 66 balls.
England’s innings has been notably subdued, with fewer attacking shots than usual. Over the first 25 overs, the team scored 115 runs, but only 22.5% of balls faced were met with aggressive strokes—the lowest in the Bazball period.
Despite the cautious approach, the match remains largely in Australia’s favour. England now rely on Stokes and Jacks to build substantial innings if they are to mount any realistic challenge. Their resilience will be tested in the hours ahead.
Brief Score:
England: 334 & 193/6 (Crawley 44, Stokes 36*; Neser 2/32, Boland 2/47, Starc 2/57)
Australia 1st Innings: 511 (Starc 77, Weatherald 72, Labuschagne 65, Carey 63, Smith 61, Green 45; Curran 4/152, Stokes 3/113)