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It is far from finished. There is still positivity. Ahead of this series got under way, lingered ample optimism, because of their impressive array of quick bowlers and because they had improved from their aggressive, one-size‑fits‑all approach to batting. Subsequently, the competition got under way, and even though the bowling unit did their bit, the batsmen underperformed. In the wake of the two-day humiliation in Perth, they find themselves naturally scrutinized – yet although critics is doubting England’s tactics, how much are they challenging their own methods?

Hope Built On Previous Performances

The positive outlook was based on aspects of the performances observed during the earlier series. During the opening innings against India at Lord’s, Joe Root and the middle-order player accumulated a century partnership at almost exactly a controlled pace, staying calm and establishing a base that ultimately secured England the match. That effort was notable for the approach they improved their approach, adjusting effectively to the game's context, the surfaces they faced and the difficulties from the opposition – on that occasion, the requirement to counter the exceptional the Indian paceman.

That India series – a grueling battle against excellent opposition – would have greatly prepared get the team ready for the Ashes. Stokes' men have overwhelmed certain opponents, who struggled to handle their talent and their approach, however in the preceding international matches, they faced a group that had the determination and the expertise to cope with it – excellent rehearsal for the coming battle on Australian pitches.

The First Test Disaster

Subsequently, they called correctly in Perth, opted to bat first, took the field and suffered a collapse by Mitchell Starc. The situational awareness that impressed me on occasions over the summer was nowhere to be seen. On the contrary, the batting lineup, pumped up by the occasion and the urge to “put the bowlers under pressure”, surrendered to their aggressive mindset. To some degree, this is understandable: on a surface with pace, bounce and movement, many players may believe the need to take the initiative, thinking that at some point they’ll get a delivery with their name on it. However in that second innings, not one of Ollie Pope, Root or the young batsman received the unplayable ball: each was dismissed driving away from their body, against pitches that challenged them. The Australian team could hardly believe the lack of resistance.

Post-game, the all-rounder said he thought the batsmen who performed on that wicket proved to be aggressive, and to an extent that held true – the Australian batsman was exactly that during his century. However on occasion you face quality bowling on a tricky surface and it is necessary to survive. A team that avoids back off, that just keep throwing the bat, may see their method pays off in certain matches, and in different games causes a collapse. At times it feels their approach is a gamble, and not something you would expect an elite, winning side.

Lineup Continuity and Its Limitations

The team were very vocal of match practice into players, and the prospects of claiming the urn appeared stronger due to they appeared a cohesive group – the majority of the team are automatic selections. They boast the background, stable team choices, and they have plenty of skill. So why did everything go so wrong?

Under pressure, they seemed to get dragged into a battle, in which they entered into the contest, amid the atmosphere, and believed they must begin from ball one and prove to the opposition their fearlessness, their plan to play their own game, and which they believed was better than anyone else’s. Each batsman in that team is chosen as they possess a positive approach. None with a different style – even some brilliant batters with notable achievements domestically and overlooked – stands a chance of getting in. Thus what occurs should positive intent isn't the best approach?

The Requirement for Variety

Based on observation, successful squads feature a mix in their batting. It’s great to include players able to seize control in the match very quickly, but you also need players who can batting over many hours, or across days. Ben Stokes and Root have both played patient knocks earlier in their careers, but now seem to prefer a more aggressive style.

The captain always talks about shutting out public opinion … But on occasion that is challenging.

After building a advantage and one wicket down, the situation they were in during the break on the second day, the positive approach means being totally clinical. A method to achieve that is to attack, and at times where this represents the best strategy. Another method, traditionally used for generations, is to give nothing away, provide no encouragement, show no mercy, and build an innings to a commanding position. Both are methods to exert the attack under pressure. The pitch