'Worst I've seen': England stars savaged over 'inexcusable' act
England veterans Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow are copping it from cricket greats over their dismissals on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test.
On return from a Covid-enforced rest in Adelaide, Aussie skipper Pat Cummins claimed three wickets in the opening session before England were bundled out for 185.
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Needing a win in the third Test to stay in the series, England require a miracle to fight their way back into the match and series that has spiralled out of control in the past two-and-a-half weeks.
After Joe Root was again dismissed after notching a half-century, veteran stars Stokes and Buttler threw their wickets away.
Stokes' dismissal came when he tried to uppercut Cameron Green over the slips on 25, but only aided the Australian all-rounder's reputation as a giant-killer by hitting him to Nathan Lyon at point.
Buttler also went in careless fashion, caught on the leg-side boundary when he tried to take on Lyon (3-36) and found the only man out in the deep.
And while Bairstow put up some fight with 35 before a Starc ball followed him and caught him on the gloves, nothing could be done to save England's day.
England veterans under fire over poor dismissals
Former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting described the careless dismissals as "inexcusable", while former England bowler Steve Harmison said they were "indefensible."
“I’m sorry, that’s indefensible," Harmison said on BT Sport.
"That’s three of our senior players. That’s Joe Root, that’s Ben Stokes and that’s Jos Buttler. All three could have avoided getting out in that session.
“Australia will be walking off thinking, ‘You know what, we bowled some of the best balls in this Test series on this surface by pitching up and what have we done? We’ve not got a wicket. England have given us three thank you very much. We’re going to enjoy our tea time.’
“You can’t defend that, I’m sorry.”
Cricket writer Geoff Lemon tweeted: “Between them today, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow might have offered the worst trio of dismissals I’ve seen in one Test innings.”
Jarrod Kimber added: “For those who wanted England to attack more with the bat, I present you Joe Root’s dangle, Ben Stokes half cut and Jos Buttler’s leg hump.”
Woken up to watch the tea session.
Caught up on the dismissals - absolute shambles.
Root has had a fantastic year but not sure why he's playing at that ball. Dreadful batting from Stokes. As for Buttler - brainless.— Dr Rakib Ehsan (@rakibehsan) December 26, 2021
Between them today, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow might have offered the worst trio of dismissals I’ve seen in one Test innings. #Ashes
— Geoff Lemon Sport (@GeoffLemonSport) December 26, 2021
For those who wanted England to attack more with the bat, I present you Joe Root's dangle, Ben Stokes half cut and Jos Buttler's leg hump.
— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) December 26, 2021
Just watched the highlights of the England innings again. So many problems I have no idea how you rectify the batting. The Root, Stokes and Buttler dismissals shockers in particular. So far the big winner is Dominic Sibley. #Ashes
— Cheddar (@chetanv82) December 26, 2021
I can take losing if the opposition genuinely have to earn their wickets but today has been embarrassing. After lunch Root, Stokes and Buttler horrible dismissals. Just really poor, shithouses
Buttlers gone, just let Jonny keep for the last 2 tests.— Andy Horrill (@PidgeyHorrill) December 26, 2021
Shocking test match dismissals for Stokes and Buttler. How many chances with be given to Buttler?!
— Ibby A (@ibby1979) December 26, 2021
Speaking after stumps, Bairstow admitted mistakes were made.
"It's a day we will look back on and probably reassess and next time potentially take a different option," Bairstow said.
"I don't think you can blame individual's going out and playing the way in which they foresee the best way.
"The execution of those wasn't there today."
Root's men did have some late joy when David Warner was out edging Jimmy Anderson, but Marcus Harris managed through a crucial hour in his career to go to stumps unbeaten on 20.
Australia exploded out of the blocks in their innings, with an assertive 38 from Warner helping them to stumps at 1-61 and with the game firmly in their control.
with AAP
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