'They will have to come out swinging' : Alastair Cook wants England to show character after dismal start

The marquee Ashes series got underway today, December 8 at the Gabba. While the fans were keenly waiting for an evenly fought day, it was Australia who dominated the proceedings. The visitors had a horrible start and were bowled out for a mere 147. They lost Rory Burns on the first ball of the match and never recovered from it. A lot was expected of skipper Joe Root. However, he departed for a duck. Jos Buttler and Ollie Pope tried to salvage some pride but they too couldn't stretch their innings long enough.

Former England captain Alastair Cook has said that England bowlers will need to replicate the performance of Australia bowlers if England have to stay alive in the game. "Joe Root talks about England having character, they are going to have to show it now,' Cook told BT Sport. 'They will have to come out swinging.

'They have got history of fighting back against Australia. The coaches have to earn their money now, saying the right things at the right times, making sure it isn't doom and gloom.

'They have to go around tonight making sure that the likes of Rory Burns can regroup and come back and bat in the second innings.'

Former England pacer Steve Harmison also urged England to be aggressive in the remainder of the Test. 'England need somebody to grab the game by the scruff of the neck,' he said. 'This game is not lost yet.'

Harmison admitted that the first ball duck of Rory Burns sent shivers down the spine of the England team from which they never recovered. 'I don't think they ever recovered from that,' he said.