Alastair Cook expects contrasting England, Australia strategies to continue at Ashes

<p>Former England batsman Alastair Cook is expecting contrasting strategies to continue throughout the Ashes series. </p>

<p>Australia ended Day 2 on 311/5 after 94 overs, in what was a visibly cautious approach to their batting in contrast to England's attacking 393/8 declared in 78 overs on Day 1. </p>

<p>Former England opener Alastair Cook admitted to being surprised by Australia's less attacking approach but backed both sides to keep their different styles throughout the Ashes series. </p>

<p>"The contrast in styles could not be more obvious than in that session," said Cook. </p>

<p>"Australia have decided to knuckle down, bat time and grind England into the dirt but England picked up three very handy wickets (in the first session)."</p>

<p>England had pinned the Australian side to 78/3 before lunch on Day 2 before the Aussies knuckled down and fought back to only lose two more wickets for the day.</p>

<p>"It has been a different tempo, but still thoroughly enjoyable. I have been surprised at how passive Australia have been. They are usually the side who is more keen to get on the front foot," added Cook.</p>

<p>The English team is yet to lose a Test series since former New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum became their Test coach, flourishing under the new attacking "Bazball" approach.</p>

<p>"Australia aren't going to get lured in to England's tactics. England are going to keep doing it whether they lose 5-0 or win 5-0. Australia will keep going their way too, but it'll be interesting to see if things start to go England's way, whether they'll be tempted," concluded Cook.</p>

<p>The Aussies will have centurion Usman Khawaja (126*) and wicket-keeper batsman Alex Carey (52*) at the crease at the start of Day 3 of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston.</p>

<p>The article <a href="https://www.planetsport.com/cricket/news/allister-cook-expects-contrasting-england-australia-strategies-continue-ashes">Allister Cook expects contrasting England, Australia strategies to continue at Ashes </a> appeared first on Planetsport.com.</p>