ENGLAND were skittled for just 147 by Australia on the opening day of the Ashes, but Ollie Pope believes an unlikely first victory at the Gabba in 35 years is not yet beyond them.
This was a nightmare start for the tourists, with Joe Root opting to bat first, and Rory Burns bowled behind his legs by Mitchell Starc to the first ball of the series.
They were soon 29 for four, with only helpful contributions from Haseeb Hameed, Pope and Jos Buttler taking them to 147, but none could go on against Australia’s relentless attack. Even on a green pitch under cloudy skies, that total feels plenty under par. Rain prevented England bowling in the final session after being bowled out in 50.1 overs on the stroke of tea.
Junior batter Pope was asked to front up to the media after a tough opening day after which Root — who made one of three England ducks — was facing questions over his decision at the toss and team selection, with both James Anderson and Stuart Broad left out of the XI.
In stark contrast, Australia’s new captain Pat Cummins took five wickets in an outstanding display from his bowlers.
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