TRULY GABYSMAL

England flops bat-tered but Trescothick defends gung-ho style of play

- RORY DOLLARD IN BRISBANE

ENGLAND'S beleaguered batters have held “no discussions” about the repetitive nature of their Ashes dismissals - but assistant coach Marcus Trescothick insists they “respect the game”.

The larger-than-life aggression that has characterised the ups and downs of the so-called ‘Bazball’ era has detonated on arrival in Australia, with a growing collection of increasingly familiar batting removals.

After being shot out for 172 and 164 in a two-day defeat in Perth, England are now staring at the likelihood of another heavy loss on day four of the second Test at the Gabba.

Having watched Australia run up 511 for a first-innings lead of 177 in Brisbane, they responded by slumping to 134-6 as the pink ball worked its magic under the lights.

Another 43 runs are needed just to stave off the indignity of an innings defeat.