CRICKET-ASHES/AUSTRALIA REAX Australian cricket fans react following defeat in the first Ashes test

Record ID: 147463

  • Title: CRICKET-ASHES/AUSTRALIA REAX Australian cricket fans react following defeat in the first Ashes test
  • Date: 12th July 2015
  • Summary: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (JULY 12, 2015) (REUTERS) PEOPLE WALKING AT CIRCULAR QUAY
  • Embargoed: 27th July 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Australia
  • Country: Australia
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA1216WKSPGCMCFCJER935APRW
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: AUDIO QUALITY AS INCOMING
    Australian cricket fans in Sydney expressed their disappointment on Sunday (July 12) after the shock loss to England in the first Ashes test, echoing media calls for out-of-form all-rounder Shane Watson to be replaced for the second Test at Lords.
    England were given little hope by many leading into their home series following a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of their old rivals in 2013-14 on Australian soil.
    But in new coach Trevor Bayliss' first match in charge, England produced an energized performance to secure a 169 run win with one day to spare on Saturday (July 11).
    Chasing an unlikely 412 to win, Australia lost four wickets for nine runs in 35 balls either side of lunch and were bowled out for 242 one hour after tea in Cardiff.
    Australian fan Jay believed the home side deserved their victory, however he also had some advice for the Australian selectors.
    "I think England were definitely the underdogs, did really well. Australia had a shocker, early swing, couldn't really face the fast bowlers there," said Jay, adding "Watson will be dropped, Mitchell Marsh back in."
    Shane Watson had come in for criticism in some sections of Australian media after being dismissed lbw for the 29th time in test matches.
    Young Australian fan, Jude Falzon, agreed that Watson's performance had been disappointing.
    "He should have been playing better. I think he should have been playing better," said Jude.
    England will head to Lord's for the second test on Thursday (July 16) knowing that of the last 17 Ashes series, the team that has eventually lifted the urn has won the opening test 15 times.
    However, Lord's is Australia's most successful English venue with 14 victories and only one defeat since 1934.
    "I think they'll come out fighting a bit more, Australia. We haven't got a particularly good record at Lords considering, you know, it's the home of cricket but I still think we've got a great chance." said England fan, Sam Greaves, who now resides in Australia.
    "I think if they're clever enough with the pitches, to keep it the same as it was at Cardiff, I think we've got a great chance," he added.
    Australia, strong favourites to retain the Ashes before the series, now have only five days to recover and reassess their tactics before the second Test begins.
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