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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Rory Dollard

No ducking batting problems for England as first Test pitch rated ‘very good’

England’s Jamie Smith ducks under a short ball on day two of the first Test (PA) - (PA Wire)

England’s batters have no excuses for their struggles in the first Ashes Test according to the International Cricket Council, who have handed the Perth pitch its highest possible rating.

Ben Stokes’ side lost all 20 wickets in just 67.3 overs at the crease in the series opener, the first two-day finish between the rivals in 104 years. Opener Zak Crawley was out for nought in each innings, adding to a painful tally of 11 single figure dismissals.

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