Australia managed to take a skinny first-innings lead of 12 runs, due to a half-century by Steve Smith (71) and essential contributions from their captain Pat Cummins (36) and off-spinner Todd Murphy (34) earlier than being bowled out for 295 at stumps on day two.
The day noticed Australian batters adopting a cautious and tentative strategy, seemingly in response to the spectacular management and self-discipline displayed by England’s seam bowlers.
“They are taking home the urn, but I’ve never seen Australia play with so much fear. They are usually so aggressive and try to take the game forward,” Vaughan advised BBC Test Match Special.
“They have simply sat in to bat an extended time frame with out remembering it’s important to put a little bit of strain on the bowlers. This morning (Friday) I believed it was the worst I’ve ever seen Australia bat in my time watching them. They by no means play like that,” he added.
However, England pacer Stuart Broad, who took 2-49, said he was not surprised by the tourists’ method.
“They caught to the type of play that has been very profitable for a few years. Our type of play is not about wanting different groups to emulate it,” Broad said.
“It simply works rather well for us. Ultimately Australia are world Test champions, gained each recreation of their residence summer season, and they aren’t going to alter their type of play simply because now we have a unique type,” he added.
(With company inputs)
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com