England Scrambles for Day-Night Solution as Ashes Series Hangs in Balance
In a bid to salvage their flagging Ashes series, England has turned its attention to 16-man squad member Jacks, who was initially viewed as an unlikely candidate for Test selection. The Surrey all-rounder, last spotted on the international stage three years ago in Pakistan, is now being considered alongside Shoaib Bashir as a potential spin-bowling option to bolster England's attack.
The knee injury to Mark Wood has created a vacancy, prompting coaches to weigh up various options for the final spot. While Josh Tongue is next in line to return from the Lions match in Canberra, Jacks' recent performances have raised eyebrows. The Surrey all-rounder bowled for longer periods than usual during a training session watched by selectors, who are also keen to see him work on his batting at number 8.
The stakes are high as England prepares to face Australia in Brisbane, where the conditions may require an attritional approach. The Gabba's pink Kookaburra ball has been touted as softer than its red counterpart, which could lead to a repeat of the Perth Test that ended in just two days and cost millions of dollars in revenue.
Australia boasts a formidable record in day-night Test cricket, having won 13 out of 14 matches. However, their sole defeat came against West Indies in Brisbane last January, and England will hope to draw inspiration from this anomaly.
With seam bowling still likely to be the main threat to Australia's batting lineup, Brydon Carse is confident that he and Jofra Archer can repeat the first-innings onslaught that left Australia reeling. "We've got to take massive amounts of confidence from that first day in Perth," Carse said. "As a group of seamers, we all offer different skills and attributes, so hopefully we can continue to trouble some of the Australian batters."
In a bid to salvage their flagging Ashes series, England has turned its attention to 16-man squad member Jacks, who was initially viewed as an unlikely candidate for Test selection. The Surrey all-rounder, last spotted on the international stage three years ago in Pakistan, is now being considered alongside Shoaib Bashir as a potential spin-bowling option to bolster England's attack.
The knee injury to Mark Wood has created a vacancy, prompting coaches to weigh up various options for the final spot. While Josh Tongue is next in line to return from the Lions match in Canberra, Jacks' recent performances have raised eyebrows. The Surrey all-rounder bowled for longer periods than usual during a training session watched by selectors, who are also keen to see him work on his batting at number 8.
The stakes are high as England prepares to face Australia in Brisbane, where the conditions may require an attritional approach. The Gabba's pink Kookaburra ball has been touted as softer than its red counterpart, which could lead to a repeat of the Perth Test that ended in just two days and cost millions of dollars in revenue.
Australia boasts a formidable record in day-night Test cricket, having won 13 out of 14 matches. However, their sole defeat came against West Indies in Brisbane last January, and England will hope to draw inspiration from this anomaly.
With seam bowling still likely to be the main threat to Australia's batting lineup, Brydon Carse is confident that he and Jofra Archer can repeat the first-innings onslaught that left Australia reeling. "We've got to take massive amounts of confidence from that first day in Perth," Carse said. "As a group of seamers, we all offer different skills and attributes, so hopefully we can continue to trouble some of the Australian batters."