Persistent rainfall on the ultimate day of the fourth Test prevented any play, denying England the chance to degree the collection with a possible victory in a match they’d dominated.
The consequence ensured that Australia, being the present holders, retained the Ashes with a 2-1 lead, leaving only one match remaining within the collection at The Oval, commencing on Thursday.
Nevertheless, Australia perceive the importance of the upcoming Test in London, as they search to safe their first Ashes collection triumph in England since 2001. The crew stays absolutely targeted on their ambition to attain this historic feat.
“It is a bit of a strange one,” Cummins informed reporters. “As a group, proud we have retained the Ashes but it has not been our greatest week.”
The quick bowler remarked, “The group we have now is quite similar to the one we had in 2019 when we managed to retain the Ashes in England with a 2-2 draw. Back then, we felt satisfied, but there was a lingering sense that we had not fully accomplished what we set out to achieve.”
“In some regards whatever happened today, it wouldn’t really change how we view next week — we want to win (the series).”
In their second innings, Australia ended the day on 214/5, trailing England’s first-innings whole of 592 by 61 runs. Marnus Labuschagne’s sensible knock of 111 on Saturday proved to be essential in preserving the hosts at bay.
During the primary innings, England managed to restrict the world Test champions to 317 runs earlier than piling up a powerful whole of 592 all out. Zak Crawley’s exceptional 189 and Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 99 had been vital contributors to England’s commanding rating.
Reflecting on his efficiency, Cummins admitted that he had not bowled properly, evidenced by his return of 1-129 in 23 overs, which stands as the most costly spell in his Test profession thus far.
Cummins additionally acknowledged that England’s thrilling and aggressive ‘Bazball’ batting model had introduced tactical challenges for him because the captain.
“We tried to throw a few plans at them and on another day they might have worked but, in all facets, we just weren’t at our best this week and they played really well,” stated Cummins, who added any Australia pleasure at having retained the Ashes could be “muted”.
We have develop into a crew that individuals will bear in mind: Stokes
Amidst the Ashes consequence, England captain Ben Stokes confidently asserted that his crew would go away an enduring impression as a memorable and noteworthy aspect, regardless of falling in need of successful the collection.
Under Stokes’ management and the steering of coach Brendon McCullum, England skilled their first attract 17 Tests since their partnership started final 12 months. During this era, they initiated a big transformation of their red-ball cricket method, inserting a robust emphasis on entertaining the spectators, guaranteeing an pleasurable expertise for the paying public.
“It’s a tough one to take, a tough pill to swallow,” stated Stokes after a end result that left England nonetheless trying to find a primary Ashes collection win since 2015.
“But I think what we’ve managed to do has already done wonders for cricket in England. I said in the dressing room that the reward for your work isn’t what you get, it’s what you become.”
The all-rounder added: “I think what we’ve managed to become is a team that people will remember.
“As a lot as I might like to be an Ashes-winning captain, I need this to be a legacy crew. Regardless of how the collection finally ends up, individuals will at all times discuss us.”
With The Oval finale just around the corner, England have only a few days to regroup. However, Stokes emphasized the need to overcome the disappointment and shift their focus entirely to the upcoming game.
“It is an enormous one for us and we all know 2-2 sounds lots higher than 3-1.”
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com