Undoubtedly true Col. My response was fresh from the shock of waking up and hearing the score. And I think on these pitches our lack of pace would have scuppered us even if more of the batsmen were firing properly.
I do think the lack of acclimatisation in terms of tour games before the Test series starts exaggerates the impact of local conditions, as undoubtedly good players just don’t get the time to adjust their games to them before they are in the high pressure situation of a Test. Did Ali, who’s form and confidence have been woeful, have any real time in warm up games before Brisbane? Broad is on record as saying he doesn’t want to play in tour matches to save himself for tests - tough titty mate, you should never assume that your place is safe without proving yourself. I know that commercial pressures prevent the epically long tours of our youth, but a couple of half hearted warm ups against deliberately weak President’s XIs isn’t enough. Plus I used to love it when touring teams used to play quite a few County sides. In 1976 the West Indies played a staggering 22 3 and 1 day warm up games before the Test series started, against counties, Combined Universities and the MCC (I went to some of that one) enabling thousands of people to see them and themselves to get into perfect nick to humiliate us. England played 3 warm ups on this tour.
Perhaps a rethink is needed, because Test series which you can guarantee the home side will win will be the end of the format, already under pressure from quick cricket.
539-4. Ouch.
