The slow-low Cardiff pitch neutralised Australia’s pace attack in the 1st Ashes Test, as they failed to match England and were outplayed by the hosts in four days.
England were accused of making ‘anti-Johnson pitch’ as Australia leading pacer extracted nothing from the pitch and struggled to beat batsmen with pace and bounce.
Australia were annoyed by the two-paced pitch and their coach Darren Lehmann is hoping for a more favourable pitch in the 2nd Ashes Test.
“I think Lord’s has more pace in it than this one,” Lehmann said. “You’d hope so (it is a quicker wicket), being the home of cricket. I’d just like to see you be able to bowl a bouncer on day one. That’d be nice but that’s ok.”
Lehmann, however, is keeping a realistic approach heading into the 2nd ODI and said he knows the hosts wouldn’t be giving them any freebies.
“We know what we’re going to get in terms of wickets,” Lehmann insisted. “Everyone talks about (Australia) loving more pace. That would be true but we’re not going to get it so there’s no point asking.”
