The gradient of the mountain facing England just got steeper. To win in Australia is hard enough, to win having lost the opener is nigh-on impossible. This was a hard defeat to take because England competed on better or near-even terms for the first half of the game. The Ashes debutants with the bat did not look overawed and performed reasonably. England will need more runs from Cook if they are to be competitive RYAN PIERSE/GETTY IMAGESThe only good news is that the next match is at Adelaide under lights.

Source: The Times November 27, 2017 01:52 UTC