Ashes 2015: Keep faith with Lyth and Ballance, urges McGrath
Sunday 19 July 2015 18:45, UK
England should keep faith with Adam Lyth and Gary Ballance despite their low scores in the second Investec Ashes Test at Lord’s, according to Yorkshire batting coach Anthony McGrath.
The Yorkshire duo are potentially under pressure for their places after failing to make an impact at Lord’s.
Lyth was out for 0 and seven, whilst Ballance posted 23 and 13. Lyth made six and 37 in the first Test victory in Cardiff, Ballance scoring 61 and 0.
McGrath says England must stick with both men for the third Test at Edgbaston and says Lyth will deal with the pressure well.
“He’s pretty good in that regard,” he told Sky Sports News HQ. “People will maybe calling for change in the team. Now is the time not to panic.
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“Adam, only two Tests ago, got a magnificent century at Headingley (against New Zealand). He’s the type of player who, once he gets in, can score quickly. It’s time for England to regroup now. I’m sure they will come back stronger in the next Test.”
Lyth has looked vulnerable outside off stump, but McGrath says the critics should remember where the opener scores his runs.
“Sometimes your strength is your weakness. He’s scored so many runs through the cover area, through gulley and point as well,” he said. “Occasionally you can nick off to the slips.
He’s just going through a little bit of a sticky patch
“I think tiredness must have been there, especially with Australia putting so many runs on the board. He will concentrate on what he’s done well for Yorkshire and the Test hundred at Headingley.”
McGrath says Ballance – who is averaging just 16.75 this summer - should be kept at No 3 in Birmingham.
“His record’s been fantastic for Yorkshire and for England. At No 3 he’s got runs for England. We saw it all last summer against India and Sri Lanka,” he said.
“He got runs in the Caribbean. He’s just going through a little bit of a sticky patch. I think because Joe Root has done so well at No 5 they are not going to move him around so much.
“When you are coming off a loss there are always people looking at your position. Gary’s done well at No 3. Like Adam, no need to panic at the moment. Keep him there and I’m sure he’ll come back and score some runs.”
If England do decide to make a change to the batting order for Edgbaston, another Yorkshireman – Jonny Bairstow – is favourite to be given a chance. He scored another century for Yorkshire on Sunday, in the Division One match against Worcestershire, as his stunning form continues.
"He’s playing a different game at the moment. He’s in the form of his life,” said McGrath. “England will be looking at him, no doubt. He’s desperate to play. I don’t know how many hundreds it is now this summer – five or six – he’s just got to continue doing that this summer and his chance will come.
“When it does he’s just got to play how he does for Yorkshire and keep the rich vein of form going.”
Coverage of the Ashes continues on Sky Sports Ashes with the third Test at Edgbaston from July 29. You can also watch the third 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.
