Ashes 2019 | England need to be smart and show character in run chase, asserts Graham Thorpe
After Australia set up a target of 398 runs, England batting consultant Graham Thorpe has stated that although it is difficult, if England puts in the effort, they can achieve it. Thorpe has also observed that the wicket has been flattened out for spinners and started aiding them big-time.
Steve Smith played another innings of sheer maturity and was well supported by another comeback man Mathew Wade as the duo steered Australia to a position where they can’t lose the game. However, the team would definitely give their all in order to push for the victory as the wicket deteriorated a fair bit which brings Nathan Lyon to the game. Graham Thorpe believes that it is all down to how English players apply themselves.
"We have got the character. They have to go out and use their skill, but also be smart and show character. It will not be easy but this is Test cricket. Four days have shifted backwards and forwards and it is on us to soak it up for one more day,” the English batting consultant said, reported Cricbuzz.
"Whatever happens during the course of the day we hope the team can show character and skill. We are going to need all that tomorrow because we know it will be a challenge. It is a fifth day pitch and they have a very good spinner in their attack. We have to have the belief we can do it throughout the course of the day.”
For the seven overs that England batted on Day 4, it was as if the spinners were directly in the equation as Lyon bowled a ripper of a delivery that almost dismissed Rory Burns. He would be the trump card for the Aussies on the fifth and final day of the Test and Thorpe didn’t rule out the Lyon danger.
"The pitch has flattened a bit for seamers. It is taking turn. We said our seamers found it harder, the pitch has slowed down for seamers so it is hard work. Obviously Lyon will be a threat but the way we are looking at it, it is putting partnerships together, not looking too far ahead and being confident in our belief we can play the day out and keep intent to score runs as well. When trying to play for a draw it is very important you keep the scoreboard ticking over as well.
“Individual has to assess it himself. He might have different challenges throughout the course of day. Different bowlers can cause you different issues. Fundamentally it is not look too far ahead but keep a positive mindset as well. However the individual wants to go about it and however he feels is his best way of playing the situation he sees in front of him. I would always encourage guys to have a nice positive mindset, look to score runs, build partnerships because that builds confidence throughout the course of the day as well,” the left-hander, who appeared in 100 Test matches for England, concluded.
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