ENGLAND'S BOWLERS MUST MAKE BETTER USE OF THE NEW BALL

Tourists' attack must come good for the skipper on day two

Bold, brave or barmy. Whatever label you want to slap on Joe Root’s decision to insert Australia on day one at Adelaide, the bottom line is the Test was not lost before a ball was sent down and the captain needs his bowlers to back him up.

With greyish skies more Ashington than Adelaide and the promise of a a gloomy twilight session under lights, Joe Root can be forgiven for putting faith in his bowlers. Craig Overton - making his maiden Test appearance - backed his captain's thought process saying: "We were happy to bowl first, there were overhead skies and we felt we could get a few early ones."

A bold decision perhaps, but not incomprehensible. All the same, when the Australian sun clocked on shortly after the toss, fears that this may be Root’s Nasser moment were proliferated.

“I think it's a attacking option on this wicket” - Joe Root

Much like the captain’s decision to declare at Headingley, which ultimately backfired, this was a signal of intent and aggression. It should be praised not criticised. Do we want a defensive captain, again?

Correct decision or no, what Joe needed when England took to the field, was for his experienced bowlers to produce the goods. They did not.

_{A BT Sport graphic highlights England's wayward start}

In the first spell England’s attack bowled short far too often and rarely made the batsmen play. Just one delivery in the first 14 overs would have gone on to hit the stumps.

England failed to make the most of the new Kookaburra ball - which is notorious for its swift deterioration - and Cameron Bancroft and David Warner were allowed to continue where they left off at Brisbane.

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After the extended rain break England began to rectify their wayward opening but precious use of the lacquered ball had been wasted.

It will be take two tomorrow when England resume with the second new ball just one-over old. They must hit their areas early and force Peter Handscomb and Shaun Marsh to play.

Australia are ahead on the judges cards - but crucially, the captain has been seen off - and if by some cliched magic two wickets were added to the total, England will be right back in it.