However, batting long was England’s biggest problem in the first two Tests of this series.
They managed only 67.3 overs across both innings of the first Test combined and did not survive long enough for Australia to require a second new ball in either innings of the second.
Harry Brook has admitted playing “shocking” shots. Now is the chance to show he really has learned.
Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope are on their last drink in last chance saloon.
England must first repeat what they achieved for the first time this series in the second innings in Brisbane, surviving the opening over from left-armer Starc, before an entirely different prospect follows.
Having been a second-string in the first two Tests, Australia’s bowling attack is back to near full strength with captain Pat Cummins fit again and spinner Nathan Lyon recalled.
No bowler has taken more than Lyon’s 63 wickets at the Adelaide Oval – a ground he knows from his 15 Tests but also his time working on the groundstaff.
Lyon’s old boss is still the curator in Adelaide. Even more reason to score your runs before the ball turns big.
“England are going to have to go big because the main difference is Nathan Lyon,” said former Australia opener Justin Langer on TNT Sports.
“Even [England spinner] Will Jacks got a few to spin but it’s going to be 40 degrees tomorrow and will start spinning so England have to capitalise on this very flat wicket.
“England have to be thinking they’ll only bat once, it’s that flat a wicket. I didn’t see a ball swing or seam all day. This is a batting paradise.”
Is that hope? Ask again on Thursday morning…
