5 reasons why Australia are Ashes favourites

Australia’s bowling attack performed well as a team

After a long time, Steven Smith had the luxury of having Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins and Lyon as his bowling attack. Each bowler individually is capable of winning the game on his merit.

Credit goes to the bowling attack as they backed each other pretty well. Starc and Hazlewood were coming back into the team after an injury lay-off so were a bit cold in the first innings. It is then that Cummins and Lyon stepped and ensured that the pressure was on the England batsmen at all times.

Nathan Lyon in particular was fantastic through the game. He carried forward his brilliant form from the Bangladesh series. He was able to put constant pressure on England, allowing Smith to rotate his quick bowlers from the other end.

It was a complete team effort from the Aussie bowlers where everyone chipped in to deliver the results. And this is with Starc and Hazlewood bowling within themselves. With the pink ball and lights, this Australian bowling attack is going to be even more lethal in the second test.