Michael Vaughan questioned Australia’s ‘negative’ batting on day one of the fifth Ashes Test and compared Harry Brook to England legend Kevin Pietersen.
Australia ground their way to 61-1 off 25 overs in reply to England’s 283 all out at the Oval.
Usman Khawaja is 26 not out having faced 75 balls today and more than 1,000 in the series, while David Warner made 24 before nicking off to Chris Woakes.
While Australia retained the urn courtesy of a rain-effected draw in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, they are desperate to become the first Australian team since 2001 to win an Ashes series on these shores.
England, meanwhile, are hoping to prevent such an outcome and secure a more than respectable draw against the world Test champions.
‘England won’t be delighted with the situation, especially as Australia dropped a few catches,’ Vaughan said on BBC’s Test Match Special.
‘You’ve got two contrasting styles, you’ve got England playing aggressive, Australia attritional. I thought Australia were too negative in that last session. So I don’t think England will be completely despondent.’
Australia legend Glenn McGrath agreed that Pat Cummins’ side should try to apply ‘more pressure’ with the bat.
‘I just want to see a bit more pressure created,’ the former pace bowler said. ‘Watching the Australians at the end, you wondered where they were going to score.’
On another fluctuating day of Ashes cricket, England reached 62-0 and 184-3 before a cluster of wickets pegged them back and limited Ben Stokes’ side to 283.
Harry Brook hit 85 of those from 91 balls after being dropped on five and Vaughan sees similarities between the Yorkshireman and ex-England batter Pietersen.
‘Harry is right up there, Kevin Pietersen was the best,’ Vaughan said. ‘In the era I played, Pietersen dealt with them.
‘I’m looking at Harry Brook in a similar way, he deals with them really well. He’s a great guy to have in the dressing room.’
MORE : Australia edge England on first day of Ashes finale despite Harry Brook thrills
MORE : Steve Harmison says Anderson and Broad should retire after Ashes finale
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