‘Lads will do whatever it takes’ – Graham Thorpe backs England to save Sydney Test on final day
England (Photo by Tom Jenkins/Getty Images)
The ongoing Ashes 2021-22 has been nothing short of chaotic for England so far. After meekly surrendering in the first three Tests, they now have to bat on the fifth day of the fourth Ashes Test match, in order to salvage some pride.
After reducing the hosts to 86/4 in the third innings, a 179-run partnership from Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green ensured that Australia get on the driver’s seat once again. While the visitors got to 30 for no loss by stumps on Day 4, they need 358 runs to win on the final day or save battle out for a draw to avoid going down 4-0 in the series.
Former England batter Graham Thorpe, however, has called for the English batters to step up and show some fight. He was sure that they will bat well, and do their best. Besides, the 52-year-old is in charge while England’s head coach Chris Silverwood completes his COVID-19 isolation.
England batters will do their very best: Graham Thorpe
“I’m sure the lads will take whatever they need to take to get themselves in a position where they’re capable of performing tomorrow. So they’ll all bat and they will do their very best,” said Graham Thorpe as quoted by India Today.
An important point to be noted is that the trio comprising of Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler aren’t fully fit. All three had scans on Saturday but Thorpe said the trio would bat on Sunday. He also spoke about Sam Billings, who has been called who has been added to the squad as a cover.
“It’s possible (that the three players could miss the next test), but we will be assessing all of that at the end of the game. Obviously, Sam has been called into the group and that’s obviously a good indicator of some of the concerns we have with the injuries. For players to be able to stay in the team as well, you have to perform,” the former Test player said,” he said.
