Ricky Ponting, former captain of Australia, believes that England has many issues to answer after losing the first Test against Australia at Edgbaston.
Australia captain Pat Cummins led his team to an extraordinary two-wicket victory over England in the opening Ashes Test on Tuesday, capping off a riveting five-day battle.
Ponting suggested that Jonny Bairstow’s wicket-keeping errors were one of the primary causes for England’s loss in the first Test.
“From my perspective, England has more issues to answer than Australia at the moment. Regarding their manner of play, as well as their selection for the first Test, they will have to contend with some selection issues.
“Jonny Bairstow had a very average performance behind the wickets. Approximately four opportunities have been passed up. And on flat pitches, if they desire flat pitches, you cannot afford for your keeper to make errors.
“On their own, these errors could have cost them the Test match, according to some, if you examine them in isolation. These are questions they must address. Australia, having won the competition, will be required to address a great deal fewer queries.”
In the first Ashes Test, England’s ‘Bazball’ style was on full display, with the English batsmen adopting aggressive approaches in both innings and Stokes declaring on the first evening.
Ponting believes that the loss will intensify the strain on England prior to the second Test at Lord’s.
“I believe it will be a very, very strong test for England. In fact, I believe it will be an excellent test of their playing approach. I believe it will be an excellent test of their leadership and mentoring.
“I said last night on commentary that, after the first day, everyone was saying that Australia was negative, that Australia had a lot of issues to address, and how does Australia counter what England is doing? Australia, however, won the contest.”