Like the dutiful modern parent, Paul Farbrace, the England assistant coach, was intent after the third day’s play on praising his players for their efforts. That is what we parents are told to do these days: praise for effort above all else. The trouble, bowling on flat Australian pitches with flat-seamed Kookaburra balls, though, is that is not enough: perspiration is the minimum requirement in international sport but sometimes you need a bit of inspiration too. England were all blood, sweat and tears during 180 overs in the dirt. You could not fault their commitment and the fielding held together, when for many England teams of the past it fell apart in similar circumstances.

Source: The Times December 18, 2017 00:03 UTC