UK View: Poms fume over ‘brainless, reckless, sheer stupidity’ as brazen batters blow ‘Glenn McGrath moment’

Nathan Lyon’s calf injury was touted as the Glenn McGrath moment of this Ashes series but a frantic failed foray into Bazball from their batters has threatened to waste the good fortune that came their way on day two.

The UK media and former players appeared dumbfounded that having reached a powerful position at 1-188, England’s top order was “suckered in” by Pat Cummins bouncer barrage response.

England finished day two at 4-278 in response to Australia’s 416, but Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Joe Root fell to short balls soon after Lyon limped off. It reminded everyone of the McGrath injury in 2005 when he stood on a ball during warm up, rolled his ankle and the series momentum shifted dramatically.

“What came for the next hour or so was absolute stupidity,” said former England captain Michael Vaughan on the BBC.

“That is not entertaining, I’m sorry, that is stupid Test match cricket and Australia will be delighted with that method because when the ball is not swinging over the next few weeks, guess what they are going to do?”

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