Published: Dec 21, 2017, 06:32 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 21, 2017, 06:30 PM (IST)
The ongoing 2017-18 Ashes has been devastating for England. Down 0-3, they have not only conceded the urn to Australia, but are also facing the threat of yet another whitewash However, one positive aspect for England amidst these miseries has been the rise of their opening batsman Mark Stoneman. The opener has already notched up 2 fifties in 6 innings. Stoneman is enjoying the experience and atmosphere of his maiden Ashes rubber. Speaking to Daily Mail, Stoneman spoke about his challenges, his performance and England avoiding a 0-5 whitewash.
“The atmosphere is brilliant, albeit very one-sided”
“The general experience has – despite the results – been amazing. The atmosphere is brilliant, albeit very one-sided. They’re not the nicest people when you’re playing against them. It gives you a different take on the population when they’ve got a few ales down their neck. It’s been great to be a part of, it’s just very disappointing about the results.”
“There have been times when I feel I’ve belonged, but haven’t made the scores”
“There have been times when I feel I’ve belonged, but I haven’t made the scores that are required in Test cricket… Personally, it’s been pretty disappointing because I’ve made starts in a lot of innings.”
“I find that staying on top of the ball is hard work”
“I find that, against the new ball, with the extra pace and bounce in the wicket, that staying on top of the ball is hard work. And there are big fields, too. When they are men out in the deep, you’re not going to clear them. If they’re coming into their fourth and fifth spells, that might be the time to take them on [with the hook], but I’ll probably just try and get my head out of the way better next time.”
“We have to stop 5-0”
“The Aussies are going to be coming at us looking for 5-0. So there’s the first thing we’ve got to stop. I don’t think any Ashes cricket is going to be meaningless cricket. They’re not going to be serving up half-volleys for fun because they’re won the series, that’s for sure, so we’ve got to go out and play our best.”
