The "Three Lions" suffered a loss by eight wickets against Australia in the first Test match of the Ashes series at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Australia's Travis Head smashed a glorious century in their second innings, which helped the side secure a dominating victory
Brendon McCullum (Pic: File Pic)
Head coach Brendon McCullum urged England fans to keep the faith and said that the team's approach won't change despite suffering a loss in the first Test match of the Ashes series.
The "Three Lions" suffered a loss by eight wickets against Australia in the first Test match of the Ashes series at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Australia's Travis Head smashed a glorious century in their second innings, which helped the side secure a dominating victory.
Speaking to reporters, McCullum said, "Keep the faith. Sometimes we get beaten and it looks pretty ugly, but there are times when having that type of mentality allows us to still believe in our abilities when we step out to play. There are times we don't get it right, but we have to believe in what we believe in because it gives us the best chance. "Just because we are one down in the series doesn't change what we believe in".
"We have to stay calm, stay together, and plot our way back into this series, as we have done before," added the 44-year-old former cricketer.
Currently, the Aussies are leading the five-match Ashes Test series by 1-0 against England.
Since last claiming an Ashes series in Australia 15 years ago, England have now lost 14 Tests, drawn two and won none in Australia. They had a perfect opportunity in Perth to snap the dire streak and earn a psychological advantage heading into the pink-ball encounter in Brisbane.
But after reaching 160-5 the tourists lost five wickets for 12 runs to be bowled out for 172 on day one before regaining the advantage after dismissing Australia for 132. They were on track for a big lead after reaching 65-1 in their second innings, but again threw away five wickets in quick succession to leave Australia chasing 205, which they achieved with ease.
The second Test match of the ongoing series between England and Australia is scheduled to be played at The Gabba in Queensland from December 4. Ahead of the second match, it will be interesting to see if Australia's star pacer Josh Hazlewood and skipper Pat Cummins make their way back in the squad. The duo missed out on the opening clash due to injury.
(With AFP Inputs)
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