England finally showed they can alter their approach to batting during the first session of the fourth day of the second Ashes Test, ensuring Australia will need their second innings.
After a dismal performance on the third night, England began the fourth day at 134-6, 43 behind the home team in Brisbane.
But captain Ben Stokes set an example for his team-mates, along with number eight Will Jacks in a vigilant, non-stop 65-strong partnership.
Stokes, who started the day with four off 24 deliveries, was 36 off 112 balls at the break. Jacks went from four for nine to 25 for 66.
England battled to 193-6, a 16-run lead. While Stokes-Jacks’ ability to adapt to the situation was welcome, it made England’s capitulation on Saturday night all the more frustrating.
By batting together for 26.3 overs, Stokes and Jacks have created the longest partnership of the series with England so far.
This was the first session of the first two Tests in which a wicket did not fall.
Stokes’ determination was reminiscent of the start of his epic winning innings at Headingley in 2019.
At a scoring rate of 2.45 an over, this seventh-wicket partnership was the slowest of England’s 164 over 50s since Stokes became captain in 2022.
“Love this approach from England. Fantastic session of play,” wrote former England captain Michael Vaughan on X.
With their frontline seamers repelled, Australia turned to part-time bowlers Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne to bowl each before lunch.
Australia will have a second new pink ball available in the second session, which is likely to arrive just as the floodlights take hold on the day-night Test.
“For the first time, Australian bowlers have had to work hard to get their wickets,” former England captain Sir Alastair Cook said on TNT Sports.
Former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, also speaking on TNT Sports, added: “The only thing that will make Australia a little nervous is that Ben Stokes is now used to the wicket. We have seen time and time again that he loves these big moments. He loves being the hero.
“It will be interesting how Australia approach Ben Stokes now, whether they give him some words or short balls. They stayed away from him. They have been very kind to him. You have to get him out of his bubble.”
Former fast bowler Steven Finn said the approach would have pleased England coach Brendon McCullum.
“It was stoic. They were tenacious and determined,” Finn said. “They had a clear game plan, but they were not easy targets. When Australia’s bowlers failed, they capitalized.
“They clearly had better hitting conditions, but their defense was excellent and they didn’t let the score go anywhere.
“Brendon McCullum was asked earlier this year and wanted his team to recognize situations in games and adapt to them. We haven’t seen that enough, but Stokes and Jacks have done it expertly today. That will please McCullum very much.”
