Five Ashes questions England need to answer after horror first Test | Cricket | Sport

England find themselves in a familiar predicament at the start of an Ashes tour Down Under, trailing 1-0 after a disheartening first Test. Here, we examine the challenges England must overcome before the series progresses to Brisbane.

How can they maintain team morale?

The mere fact that this question arises after just six sessions of cricket highlights the depth of disappointment felt following the defeat in Perth. However, three unexpected rest days present their own difficulties.

The local press will not make for pleasant reading and the initial enthusiasm for experiencing the broader aspects of touring Australia may prove more difficult than anticipated, with dejected England supporters swarming around the city and even more buoyant Australian fans. While golf has been a point of contention for some critics, the management recognises that boosting morale is one of their key responsibilities.

Should the Test team make a pit stop in Canberra?

England’s cricket team made an early decision not to accept Cricket Australia’s offer of a two-day day/night warm-up against the Prime Minister’s XI. Instead, Andrew Flintoff’s Lions will be heading to the Manuka Oval.

Michael Vaughan, the Ashes-winning captain and now pundit, is among those who have publicly called for a rethink, arguing that the early finish means the senior side must now make use of the extra practice. A few squad members who didn’t play could have headed to the capital, but that plan has since been shot down.

Should they stick with their troubled top order?

Zak Crawley has faced scrutiny throughout his England career, but starting the biggest series in years with two ducks and two first-over dismissals must have shaken the opener. England have been unwavering in their support of a player whose feast-or-famine record leans too often towards the latter, but they desperately need a return on their investment.

Ollie Pope appears safe, given he was the top scorer in the game with 79. Jacob Bethell is the designated spare batter, but a score of 44 for the Lions on Sunday, against a CA XI, wasn’t quite enough to strengthen his case.

If Crawley fails again at the Gabba, keep an eye on Lions opener Ben McKinney.

Is it time for Root to reconsider?

It may not be a popular opinion, but a complete overhaul of the ‘Bazball’ strategy is simply not on the cards after three and a half years of total commitment. However, one individual might decide to temporarily suspend his membership.

Joe Root, with 13,551 Test runs under his belt, more than any other active cricketer or any Englishman who has ever played the sport, needs to master the Australian conditions.

His record of no centuries and an average of 33.33 in 29 innings on Australian turf does not reflect his true capabilities, and his second dismissal in Perth, recklessly swinging away from his body during a crucial moment, was careless.

As a deep thinker, he will undoubtedly reassess and adjust his technical approach to suit the conditions.

Repeat the process or rest and rotate?

England’s five-strong pace attack appeared formidable on Friday and passive on Saturday, but any alterations will be minor. Josh Tongue from Nottinghamshire seems the most likely addition, with an aggressive style that could work well with the unpredictability of day/night matches.

Will Mark Wood step aside or will the break rejuvenate him enough to give his all?

Shoaib Bashir’s spin may not come into play until Adelaide.