'England found perfect blend between defence and attack'
Friday 7 August 2015 16:21, UK
Nasser Hussain believes England’s batting was "spot on" as they seized firm control of the fourth Investec Ashes Test on day one at Trent Bridge.
Joe Root (124no) collected his eighth Test ton and Jonny Bairstow (74) chipped in with a half-century as England closed on 274-4, a lead of 214 after Australia had carded a dismal score of 60.
Hussain saluted Alastair Cook’s side for not becoming too defensive in the wake of Australia’s 18.3-over knock as they chase a victory that will see them regain the urn.
"It is very easy after seeing the opposition bowled out like that to go to the other extreme and block and leave but England got their tempo spot on."
“It is very easy after seeing the opposition bowled out like that to go to the other extreme and block and leave but England got their tempo spot on,” Hussain told Sky Sports.
“Root and Bairstow were going at four runs per over and found the right balance between attack and defence.
“Root will always punish the bad ball and has this great skill of being attacking but also playing late, something Australia don’t really have at the moment.
“England are now well ahead and bossing this game after a perfect day - a day you dream about as a captain and a player.
“You win the toss under cloudy skies and bowl the opposition out so cheaply and then when you go out to bat the sun comes out and you show Australia how to play on a moving pitch.”
Former England batsman Mark Butcher told Sky Sports News HQ: “Root is playing about as perfectly as you can at the moment.
“He gets a big stride forward when he plays on the front foot and gets very side on when he’s playing on the back foot.
“His footwork is as good as any England player I have seen since Michael Vaughan had his golden winter in Australia in 2002-2003 and his smile is infectious and rubs off onto other players.
“England will now look to grind Australia into the dust and then let their bowlers loose on a batting line-up that won’t be looking forward to it."
Coverage of the fourth Ashes Test from Trent Bridge continues live on Sky Sports Ashes HD. You can also watch the fourth Test with a NOW TV Sports Day Pass. Plus, our Ashes Events Centre - the best of Sky Cricket's analysis at your fingertips - is available on our iPad app.
