Australian bowling has put squeeze on England’s Bazball

Australia have found a way to subdue England’s Bazball onslaught, with data showing the hosts’ top order have been slowed down significantly through this Ashes series.

Australia have a chance to wrap up the Ashes series in the fourth Test at Old Trafford this week, after months of talk about England’s fearless and fast-scoring approach with the bat.

England’s innings in this series have traditionally picked up speed with the tail batting in this series, with Ben Stokes trying hit out with the tail or Mark Wood’s blitz at Headingley.

But in terms of batting during their first six wickets, they have been far more controlled.

England’s average run-rate for the first six wickets in the Brendon McCullum era before this series began stood at 4.88, on the back of expansive top-order play.

During this series England have not gone at that rate for the first six wickets in any innings, with day one at Edgbaston their quickest at 4.82 an over.

England’s scoring rates have also gradually decreased since that point, going down to 3.30 in the first innings at Headingley last week before picking up the pace in the chase.

The scoop shot has also disappeared from England’s repertoire, not attempted since Joe Root played a flurry of them in the first Test.

“We can take a take a positive look at that and say that we might have changed a little bit the way they’ve played,” Australia’s seamer Josh Hazlewood said.

“I feel like we’ve done a reasonable job of containing them from time to time.

“Conditions probably dictate that as well. Edgbaston was obviously probably the flattest wicket followed by Lord’s as well.

“Again, it’s the situation of the game when those type of players come in and play those shots. It’s a lot of contributing factors.”

Australia have made a point to activate more short-pitched bowling since the first Test, with men set out for the pull and hook shot.

They have also attempted to have England hit to certain areas of the ground, while most of the series has been played with a deep point out for the quicks.

England allrounder Moeen Ali, who will bat at No.3 at Old Trafford, said there had been no deliberate change in the side’s mentality.

“I just think Australia have bowled really well and their tactics have been good,” Moeen said.

“So it’s not allowed us to get into the position for scooping or playing that attacking brand. Generally, when guys have got in I think they have been pretty aggressive.

“The conditions have changed and we have adapted against the best bowling attack in the world.

“But there is that situation in the team where we have to soak it up sometimes.”

ENGLAND’S SCORING RATES FOR FIRST SIX WICKETS

Average prior to this series under Brendon McCullum: 4.88

Edgbaston, first innings: 4.82

Edgbaston, second innings: 4.31

Lord’s, first innings: 4.33

Lord’s, second innings: 3.71

Headingley, first innings: 3.30

Headingley, second innings: 4.78