Key Highlights
- Brendan Doggett’s first Test wicket came in strange circumstances as Harry Brook walked off Perth Stadium after barely an appeal.
- The collapse of 5/12 led to England’s total of 172, with Mitchell Starc finishing with a career-best 7/58.
- Former England captain Michael Vaughan criticized the team’s batting and suggested it may have inflicted a psychological wound on Brook for the rest of the series.
- Mitchell Starc’s performance was praised as he took seven wickets, but the last 25 minutes of England’s batting were described as “not good enough.”
The Bizarre Debut Moment That Sparked a Collapse
Brendan Doggett’s first Test wicket in his debut innings came under unusual circumstances. As the second session of day one unfolded at Perth Stadium, Harry Brook walked off the field after an appeal from the Australians was barely acknowledged. The decision to walk, which wasn’t exactly akin to Adam Gilchrist’s famous walks, came after a review by Australian skipper Steve Smith and wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Brook’s journey towards walking was not straightforward. “Went to the bouncer plan, and it was a good one,” Michael Hussey said on Fox Cricket, describing how Brook tried to get his gloves out of the way, knowing the decision might initially favor him. The initial review seemed favorable but when Smith called for a review, the situation became tense.
The Collapse That Followed
England’s vice-captain was racing towards a half-century in just 58 balls before a bouncer from Doggett flicked his glove and went through to Carey. This moment set off a chain reaction that saw England collapse for 172 all out in only 32.5 overs. Mitchell Starc, who finished with figures of 7/58, spearheaded the Australian attack, delivering what was described as one of the best-ever spells.
After Brook’s dismissal, the remaining wickets fell quickly, leading to a collapse of 5/12. “That’s huge,” former England captain Michael Vaughan said on ary, noting that this could potentially indicate how Australia might bowl to Harry Brook for the rest of the series. The rapid fall of wickets triggered a psychological impact, with Vaughan warning that it may have inflicted a major wound on Brook.
The Aftermath and Criticism
As the collapse unfolded, England’s supporters and members of the press took to social media to praise Brook for walking. However, this sentiment was quickly overshadowed by criticism from former players. “Mark Wood thought he would be sat in the viewing area having a few cups of tea and some water and a massage or two throughout the day,” Vaughan said, expressing his disappointment with England’s batting performance.
While Mitchell Starc’s performance was described as brilliant, the last 25 minutes of England’s innings were deemed “not good enough.” The collapse was seen as predictable and reckless. “It is all just too predictable,” Vaughan added, reflecting on the strategic blunders that led to the rapid disintegration of England’s batting lineup.
The incident also sparked a broader discussion about the effectiveness of Bazball in high-pressure situations. “Bazball with brains, well Bazball has arrived,” Vaughan commented, acknowledging the tactical approach but adding that it had been forgotten in critical moments.
