England finally demonstrated they can alter their approach by batting through the first session on day four of the second Ashes Test, ensuring Australia will require their second innings.
After a dismal showing on the third evening, England began the fourth day on 134-6, 43 adrift of the home side in Brisbane.
But captain Ben Stokes set an example to his team-mates, alongside number eight Will Jacks in a watchful unbroken partnership of 65.
Stokes, who began the day on four from 24 deliveries, had 36 from 112 balls at the break. Jacks moved from four off nine to 25 off 66.
England battled to 193-6, a lead of 16 runs. Though the Stokes-Jacks ability to adapt to the situation was welcome, it made the England top-order capitulation on Saturday evening all the more frustrating.
In batting together for 26.3 overs, Stokes and Jacks have compiled England’s longest partnership of the series so far.
This was the first session across the opening two Tests that a wicket has not fallen.
Stokes’ determination was reminiscent of the beginning of his epic match-winning innings at Headingley in 2019.
With a scoring rate of 2.45 an over, this seventh-wicket partnership was the slowest of England’s 164 stands in excess of 50 since Stokes became captain in 2022.
“Loving 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 an over each before lunch.
Australia will have a second new pink ball available in the second session, probably arriving just as the floodlights take hold in the day-night Test.
“For the first time the Australia bowlers have had to work hard for their wickets,” said former England captain Sir Alastair Cook on TNT Sports.
Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, also speaking on TNT Sports, added: “The one thing Australia will be little nervous of is Ben Stokes is now used to the wicket. We have seen time and time again he loves these big moments. He loves being the hero.
“It will be interesting how Australia approach Ben Stokes now, whether they give him a bit of verbals or short balls. They stayed away from him. They have been very nice to him. You have got to get him out of his bubble.”
Former bowler Steven Finn said the approach will have pleased England coach Brendon McCullum.
“It was stoic. They were dogged and determined,” said Finn. “They had clear gameplan but weren’t sitting ducks. When Australia’s bowlers missed they capitalised.
“Clearly they were much better batting conditions, but their defence was excellent and they didn’t let the score not go anywhere.
“Brendon McCullum was asked earlier this year and wanted his team to recognise situations in games and adapt to it. We haven’t seen that enough but Stokes and Jacks have done it expertly today. That will please McCullum very much.”
