England's hopes of regaining the Ashes were left hanging by a thread after a punishing day in the Adelaide heat, where the tourists were forced to rely on the part-time spin of Will Jacks and Joe Root. On a day where a miracle was required, the sight of two occasional bowlers serving up a feast for Australia's batsmen seemed to confirm the worst fears about England's planning.
A Part-Time Buffet for Australian Batsmen
With captain Ben Stokes unable to bowl after his marathon batting effort, the bowling attack was left desperately short. This meant that Joe Root, England's premier batsman, ended the day with more Test wickets than any specialist bowler in his side. The strategy, supposedly years in the making, unravelled as Australia's Travis Head plundered his second century of the series and fourth in six innings on his home ground.
By stumps, Australia had reached 271 for four, building a formidable lead of 356 runs. While optimists pointed to England's history of large fourth-innings chases, realists acknowledged the stark truth evident since the second day: the Ashes are slipping away, and England have been complicit in their downfall.
The Spin Bowling Plan That Never Was
The decision to field Jacks, a batting all-rounder with 50 first-class wickets from 58 matches, and Root, whose wickets come at a rate of less than one every two Tests, raised serious questions. England arrived with a long-term spin plan but abandoned it, leaving first-choice spinner Shoaib Bashir unselected.
In Adelaide, a ground known for testing bowlers, Jacks's lack of threat was stark. He repeatedly dropped short and strayed onto the pads, with left-handers Usman Khawaja and Travis Head helping themselves. His final figures of 107 runs conceded from 19 overs for a single wicket told a grim story. Analysis from CricViz revealed his dot-ball percentage of 48% was the lowest ever for an England bowler delivering 20 or more overs in a Test.
Broader Problems in England's Bowling Strategy
The issues extend beyond this match. England's spin-bowling cupboard appears bare, with the promotion and subsequent sidelining of Bashir sending a confusing message. The leading wicket-taker in last season's County Championship, Jack Leach, was deemed too predictable, while Liam Dawson was recalled and dropped after one Test.
The fast-bowling plans have also faced disruption. While Jofra Archer has been impressive in his comeback and Josh Tongue has shown promise, Brydon Carse has struggled for control, mirroring England's wider problems with containing the opposition. His economy rate of five in this series has compounded the pressure.
Facing the most ruthless team in world cricket, England arrived in Adelaide – a venue that demands serious, long-term strategy – armed with what amounted to a popgun and a kazoo in their spin department. The question now is not just about saving this Test, but who will be held accountable for a campaign that has veered so far off course.
