Joe Root defends England after dropped catches in Brisbane Test
What's the story
Joe Root, the England cricket team legend, has defended his team's performance in the ongoing day-night Ashes Test at The Gabba in Brisbane. Despite missing five chances on the second day, Root insisted that they had prepared as best as they could for this unique format. The missed opportunities came during a tough day for England at The Gabba, a venue where they last won in 1986. Here's more.
Match analysis
England's preparation and performance under scrutiny
Four of the missed chances came during the night session in Brisbane. This is England's eighth pink-ball Test, while Australia are playing their 15th. Root said they had worked hard on their catching skills and made the most of two sessions under lights. He added that sometimes catches just don't stick, but players have to keep applying themselves for future opportunities.
Words
'Sometimes the catches just don't stick'
"We worked as hard as we could," said Root to the media after end of Day 2. "We did a huge amount of catching and making sure we utilized those two sessions under lights well. Sometimes the catches just don't stick. You've got to keep applying yourself and wanting the ball so you're ready when that next opportunity comes. That's one of the nuances of the game and this pink-ball Test match."
Strategy debate
Former captain criticizes England's approach
Former England captain Michael Vaughan criticized the team's reliance on fielding drills instead of match practice. He said no amount of training can replicate the real game experience, where players don't know when a ball is coming their way. Vaughan emphasized that concentration is key to taking chances and it can only be developed by training the brain through regular practice.
Defense
Root acknowledges imperfections but defends team's efforts
In response to Vaughan's criticism, Root said perfection is unattainable but the team has done its best. He stressed that they have adapted to conditions, heat, and surfaces leading up to this game. They have practiced catching under lights, in daylight, and even twilight. "We're not perfect, we're all human and we're going to make mistakes," Root concluded.
Summary
Current summary of the Brisbane Test
Australia currently have an upper hand over England in the ongoing second Ashes Test at The Gabba, Brisbane. England resumed Day 2 on 325/9 and ended up scoring 334/10 in the first innings, with Joe Root remaining unbeaten on 138. In response, Australia were at 378/6 at stumps on Day 2 - leading by 44 runs. Australia's top-order batters were among runs as Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Weatherald, and Steve Smith got fifties.