Ashes 2023Surprised at how passive Australia have been, says Alastair Cook

By India Today Sports DeskFormer England captain Alastair Cook has said that he’s been surprised at how passive Australia have been. England are facing Australia at Edgbaston in the first Test of the five-match Ashes series.

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Speaking to BCC Sport, Cook said the contrast in styles between the two sides could not be more obvious following the first session on Day 2. England restricted Australia to 78 for 3 in the first session of Day 2.

“The contrast in styles could not be more obvious than in that session. Australia have decided to knuckle down, bat time and grind England into the dirt but England picked up three very handy wickets,” said Cook.

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He went on to say that he has been surprised at how passive Australia have been, insisting that they are usually the ones who are keen to get on the front foot. England declared at 393 for 8 on Day 1 on the back of a century from former captain Joe Root.

“It has been a different tempo, but still thoroughly enjoyable. I have been surprised at how passive Australia have been. They are usually the side who is more keen to get on the front foot,” Cook added.

Cook said England will stick to their style of play even if they lose or win the Ashes series. England have adopted the ‘Bazball’ style of play, and have not lost a Test series since appointing former New Zealand batter Brendon McCullum as their Test coach.

“Australia aren’t going to get lured in to England’s tactics. England are going to keep doing it whether they lose 5-0 or win 5-0. Australia will keep going their way too, but it’ll be interesting to see that if things start to go England’s way, whether they’ll be tempted,” said Cook.

England will be looking to get one over their rivals, following their 0-4 defeat in the previous Ashes series in 2021/22.