Jonny Bairstow walks off the field past the glorifying Australian fielders after a controversial mistake in the second test. Photo: Getty Images/Stu Forster
After Trial of the Lord, I heard Brandon McCallum and Ben Stokes say that Johnny Bairstow's stalemate in Lord would inspire England.
Now I know that England are the best team when they're on edge, with a bat between their teeth, perhaps feeling a little offended after some argument. We have been watching this for a long time. But ultimately you don't have to motivate or incentivize the Ashes series.
The Barstow incident was actually very convenient. This week it took up all the inches of the column. That's all everyone wants to talk about, to the point where you might think that's why they lost that game and are losing 2-0 at the Ashes. It's not like that.
They lost that game because they played in perfect conditions on the first day and then dropped from 188 by one to 325 in total. They lose 2-0 because they missed 15 chances to Australia's seven and conceded 60 more chances than Australia.
Usually with a 2-0 draw in the Ashes — which England haven't been home for a long time — you hear the first rumors about revising the state of the game and breaking up the county system.
None of that this time. There is a diehard cult in England and the world is talking about an incident that has been blown out of proportion. I had a few days to think about it and I rewatched it several times. Alex Carey throws the ball before Barstow leaves the target. Bairstow would never have left like this if it had been a spinner, so what has changed?
Australia was within its rights
In any case, I tend to think that the spirit of cricket is what we rely on when we feel the laws don't suit us. Every day the spirit of cricket breaks down over many little things. It was illegal and Australia had every right to, even if it didn't look the best. They do not care. None of these players have ever won the Ashes in England and they are leading 2-0.
One thing is for sure, I bet Johnny will never do that again. Not many guys get Mankaded twice.
I think England will actually be better off after the incident, and not just because they won't be wandering around in their crease again. This is an ordinary cricket team, while the Australians are thorough and serious. I criticized the friendliness shown by England, all those smiles and handshakes. I know everyone knows each other from franchise circles but a generation ago a lot of Australians played circuit cricket but that didn't stop things from changing when Ashes came along.
I am sure that England will talk to Australia again, but maybe these conversations will not be so friendly or long. The mentality will change. Australia has shown its ruthless superiority, and if England still has any doubts, Pat Cummins' announcement that he will do the same if the opportunity presents itself will leave them no doubt. When the opportunity presented itself, Australia went for the kill. You don't get anything for free at Ashes, and England has been reminded of that.
I have heard comments from the England camp that they have nothing to lose. It is not true. They have something to lose. One mistake, one bad session, and there will be no series.
I'm not very interested in hearing them say they can win 3-2. They need to worry about playing better at Headingley to keep the series at Old Trafford and then the same at The Oval. To play 15 consecutive days of outstanding Ashes cricket, so just worry about each day as it comes and capture the fine details that have been the difference between the sides so far.
Most of their cricket was really good and at times they managed to annoy Australia. But Australia knows they will always be sniffing around England. We see the vibrant 40s and 50s from England, not hundreds of players shaping the game because they keep the interest of the Australian bowlers.
England's decision to play Harry Brooke in third place worries Michael Vaughn. Photo: PA/Mike Egerton
I won't lie, they picked a team that worries me. Harry Brook never hit No. 3 in England and never had success there in Yorkshire. There are three new players in bowling who weren't in the heat of the Ashes battle.
Moin Ali feels high in seventh against the fast Aussies, Chris Wakes lacks cricket and all I hear is Mark Wood says his elbow is out of order.
Even without Nathan Lyon, the picture for Australia looks clearer. They know they'll get a wild reception at Headingley, but they know what it's like to be booed. They can handle it.
All of this, plus West Terrace, would make for a great theater and I can't wait to be there. But like England's talk this week, it won't change the outcome of the game. Only England, rightly understanding the little things, will do this.
This is a talented team that can turn the tide, but the time for talking is over.
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