England have already let themselves down in the field in the opening session of Australia’s innings after Marnus Labuschagne helped save the hosts from an ICC penalty after a moment of magic. Australia were searching for a quick wicket to start day two of the second Ashes Test after their slow over-rate saw them complete 74 overs on day one in Brisbane.
Australia were facing fines and the prospect of being docked a point in the World Test Championship for every over they’re short of the minimum. The penalties only apply if the opposition team bats at least 80 overs in their innings – and this was Australia’s saving grace after some magic from Brendan Doggett and Labuschagne.
Marnus Labuschagne (pictured left) and Josh Inglis were exemplary in the field for Australia with England dropping their first catch after Jamie Smith put down Travis Head early in the innings. (Images: Getty Images)
Jofra Archer smashed a Doggett short ball square at serious speed, but Labuschagne took a stunning diving catch to his right to dismiss the batter. Labuschagne’s effort in the field typified Australia’s efforts after Josh Inglis had left fans stunned with his run out on Thursday night.
Ben Stokes was sent packing when England were in a superior position in the first innings after Inglis left viewers floored. Inglis scooped up the ball at point when Root sent Stokes back with the captain seeking a quick single.
And Inglis lit up the bails after hitting the side of the stumps to rock the England middle order and to momentarily turn the tide in Australia’s favour. The hosts’ efforts in the field were exemplary, but England didn’t follow suit after a horror moment to start their assault on the Aussie batters.
The dangerous Travis Head was sent out to open alongside Jake Weatherald. And Jamie Smith made what could have been an extremely costly error after dropping Head on three runs. Archer squared Head up and the ball went between the wicketkeeper and first slip. Unfortunately, Smith appeared slow to react and dropped what looked like a regulation catch. Head went on to whack 27 runs from 14 balls right after the costly mistake.
Fortunately, Head was to depart for 27 after skying a ball high in the air. But England entered tea with Australia 1-130 with their fielding and bowling not up to scratch in the pink-ball Test. The likes of Ben Stokes and Atkinson were too full on the bouncy wicket as the Aussies go off to a great start. Fans were quick to point out England need to improve their efforts in the field if they are going to dismiss Australia on a good-looking batting wicket.
Australia avoid fines and points deduction
Heading into day two of the Gabba Test, Australia were in danger of a penalty. The Aussies only got through 74 overs on Thursday in Brisbane – well short of the 90 required to be bowled in a day’s play.
ICC rules state that 15 overs have to be bowled per hour, which would normally mean 30 in a session and 90 altogether in a day. But the Australians only averaged about 12 or 13 per hour on Thursday, largely due to the fact they don’t have a spinner to speed things up.
Under ICC rules, all players are fined a minimum of 20 per cent of their match fee for failing to bowl the required overs. They’re also docked a point in the WTC for every over they’re short of the minimum.
But Australia could avoid the penalty if they managed to dismiss England within 80 overs. And this was the case on Friday. This was before Jake Weatherald managed to score his first Test half-century as Australia look to take advantage of a good batting wicket.