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It is far from finished. There is still positivity. Ahead of the Ashes got under way, existed significant hope, because of England’s outstanding array of pace bowlers and because they seemed to have improved from their aggressive, standardized strategy to batting. Then, the competition started, and even though the bowling unit delivered, the batsmen underperformed. In the wake of the embarrassing loss on Australian soil, they are inevitably under the microscope – but while critics is doubting the team's tactics, how much are they evaluating their own methods?

Optimism Built On Summer Performances

The confidence was based on elements of the performances observed during the earlier series. In the first innings versus India at Lord’s, the experienced batsman and the young batsman scored a century partnership at almost exactly a controlled pace, staying calm and building a foundation that eventually won the team the match. That performance stood out for the way they adjusted their approach, adjusting effectively to the conditions, the pitches they encountered and the difficulties presented by the opposition – in that case, the need to negate the exceptional the Indian paceman.

The hard-fought contest – a challenging series versus top-tier teams – would have greatly prepared condition the squad ahead of the series. Stokes' men have absolutely battered some teams, who haven’t been able to cope their talent and their approach, however in the preceding red-ball contest, they faced a team which possessed the determination and the ability to handle it – ideal preparation for the challenges ahead on Australian pitches.

Perth Disaster

Subsequently, they called correctly in Western Australia, opted to bat first, stepped up and got absolutely mauled by the Australian paceman. The smart cricket that impressed me previously over the summer had vanished. In contrast, England, pumped up with intensity and the intention to “put the bowlers under pressure”, gave in to their natural aggression. To some degree, one can see why: on a surface with variable conditions, most individuals may believe the necessity to take the initiative, thinking that eventually they will receive a pitch with their name on it. Yet in that second innings, not one of Pope, Joe Root or Harry Brook received the perfect shot: all fell chasing wide deliveries, at balls that were a good length. The hosts could hardly believe how easy it was.

Post-game, the captain commented he thought those who performed in those conditions were very proactive, and to an extent that held true – the match-winner demonstrated that in his match-winning knock. But sometimes you face good bowling on a helpful pitch and you just need to get through it. A side that never want to ease up, that continue to playing aggressively, could experience their method pays off in certain matches, and elsewhere causes a disaster. Sometimes it feels their strategy is a total lottery, and not one typical of an elite, winning side.

Selection Stability and Its Limitations

England stressed the importance of playing games ahead of the series, and the likelihood of success in Australia seemed enhanced because they look an established lineup – nine or 10 players pretty much pick themselves. They have the know-how, consistent picks, and they feature a lot of quality. So what caused it to go so wrong?

Under pressure, they seemed to get dragged into a confrontational mindset, in which they entered onto the field, surrounded by expectation, and believed they must go out from the start and show Australia their confidence, their intention to follow their approach, and which they believed was better than anyone else’s. All players in the lineup makes the side as they are an attacking style. None with any other method – including skilled individuals boasting impressive records domestically and not considered – has a chance to make the team. Thus what occurs if the aggressive approach fails to be the best approach?

The Need for Variety

From what I've seen, successful squads have a blend in their batting. It’s great to include players who can seize control from the opposition very quickly, but there must be players able to building a knock for long periods, or throughout the match. Stokes and Root have in the past produced patient knocks earlier in their careers, but currently favor a more aggressive style.

The captain always talks about blocking out the external noise … The thing is on occasion it is very hard.

From 105 ahead and an early dismissal, the scenario they were in just after lunch on the second day, the aggressive option means being completely ruthless. One way to achieve that is to attack, and sometimes when that is the correct tactic. Another method, traditionally used for generations, involves give nothing away, provide no encouragement, show no mercy, and accumulate runs to a commanding position. Each represents methods to exert the bowlers in a difficult position. The wicket