Ashes: Root Optimistic For 2nd Test

Captain Joe Root has said that England are optimistic about the second Ashes Test against Australia despite their heavy defeat in the series opener.

The visitors lost the first Test in Brisbane by nine wickets after suffering two batting collapses. The second Test of the Ashes will be – a day-night match in Adelaide which will begin on Thursday.

“It doesn’t feel like previous tours leaving Brisbane where we have been battered and completely on the wrong end of the result,” Root said.

England have often struggled for positive starts on Ashes tours and made a similarly poor start at the Gabba. They were bowled out for 147 on the opening day after opting to bat first.
Despite a fightback from Root and Dawid Malan, England lost 8-74 in their second innings to slip to defeat inside four days.

“I think we’re leaving Brisbane with a slightly different perspective, there is a lot more optimism. I thought our bowlers did a brilliant job and created a lot of chances, but when you don’t take them it makes it really hard” Root said while talking to the BBC.

“No selection is straightforward and this one looks like it could be a fascinating one. The great thing is we have got everyone fit and available and ready, so whoever is given the opportunity, you would like to think they will be champing at the bit. We obviously have big decisions to make” Root said.