For England, it was the same old scenario as they maintained their poor run in the Ashes 2021-22. England is in a must-win game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, behind 2-0 in the five-match series. They didn't, however, They didn't get a good start. England was bowled out for a very little 185 runs in their Boxing Day match, as the team batters failed to prove effort on the hard wicket.
While England's Joe Root top-scored with 50 runs, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow was unable to make an impact after being given chances. Stokes, the left-handed batsman, hit 25 runs off just 60. Ricky Ponting isn't satisfied with Stokes' attitude, even though many think he did to display strength.
Importantly, Stokes has never ended a Test series with a strike rate lower than 29.50, which he achieved in the Ashes in 2021-22. Ponting is also dissatisfied with the situation. "He seemed to be on the defense." "In the previous series, he hasn't looked like the huge, physically aggressive figure at the wicket that opposing teams have afraid to bowl to," Ponting stated.
"It's simple to see why the batting conditions haven't been easy in any game, and he'll be facing some terrific bowlers." "However, I believe that if you simply sit back and wait, and don't put any pressure on excellent bowlers, they'll get you out," he added.
England will have to play hard to get back into the match in the meantime. In answer to England's 185 runs, Australia finished Day 1 with a score of 61/1, reducing the gap to 124 runs. As a result, England must keep the Australians to a low total in order to stay in the game.