The Ashes First Test Review: England’s 4D Chess Collapses

It’s a real throwback episode today, as Rain Stopped Play’s co-founders Dan and Glenn reunite for a Moscow mule-fueled analysis of England’s dismal performance in the first Ashes Test at the Gabba. Well, we say dismal—Dan was feeling pretty optimistic until an hour alongside Glenn’s downbeat company reminded him of England’s many, many, problems.  

Indeed, it took all of one ball in this Ashes to shatter English aspirations, as the tourists’ plans were left looking more exposed than Rory Burns’ leg stump. Why did England bat first? Why was Broad left out? Why can nobody convert a 50 into a big score? Were—as Glenn half-jokingly suggests—England painfully attempting to play 4D chess? Hit play to find out! 

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