Ashes 2017/18: 5 Talking points from Australia's Gabba win

We all need to talk about Alastair Cook

The manner of his dismissals at the Gabba will certainly worry England

117 runs in the three matches leading up to the most crucial series of the year aren't numbers you'd expect from England's all-time leading run-getter, who is on the verge of crossing 15,000 runs in international cricket. But there is something about Cook that just doesn't feel right. Not just in the lead-up to the Ashes but ever since he has given up captaincy.

While he did score a mammoth double century against West Indies, that remains his only century of the calendar year. The manner of his dismissals at the Gabba will certainly worry England but what would worry them more would be his general demeanour. When you have played close to 150 Tests, it is hard to get yourself motivated for every game.

But considering the lack of experience in the England top-order, England desperately need Cook to get back in top form.