England can “look ahead with optimism” despite losing Ashes opener says Hussey

England fell to a nine-wicket defeat in the first Ashes Test at the Gabba, with two batting collapses costing them dearly

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Root stands by decision to bat first despite crushing defeat

Despite their disappointing nine-wicket defeat in the first Ashes Test at the Gabba, former Australia star Mike Hussey believes England can still “look ahead in the series with optimism”.

Hussey pinpointed several positives that England can draw confidence from, including the way their seamers bowled, the day three partnership between Joe Root and Dawid Malan and the expected return of James Anderson and Stuart Broad for the second Test in Adelaide.

“It’s a huge confidence boost to go one-nil up in the series, there’s no question about that and history will show it’s difficult for the overseas team to fight back,” Hussey said.

“But there’s still some positives for England to take out of this Test match.

“I think Ollie Robinson bowled really well, Mark Wood bowled well, Joe Root’s obviously world class and Dawid Malan batted well, plus they’ve got some big names to come into the team with Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson waiting in the wings, so I think they can look ahead in the series with optimism.

“Maybe they didn’t quite get the best of the conditions here in Brisbane. They’ll be disappointed and it’ll hit their confidence a little bit, but they’ve got plenty to play for.”

Hussey believes that Anderson and Broad will be welcome additions to England’s bowling line-up in Adelaide, with the pink ball expected to suit their style of bowling.

He added: “I think it’ll lift them, no question, they’ve got so much experience and so much quality that it looks like it makes the team better.

“I think everyone will walk a bit taller with those two guys in the team. It remains to be seen, but England with those two guys in the team are probably going to be better.”

Despite two terrible collapses at the Gabba, Hussey urged England not to make any changes after just one Test.

He said: “I think [Haseeb] Hameed looked pretty good, really good to be honest. He applied himself well, his defence looked good, he was willing to fight it out and bat time.

“I don’t think they’ll be looking to make many changes. It’s the first Test, you’ve got to give these guys a bit of a go at it.

“You can’t get rid of them after one test, I think that sends a bad message and it creates that environment where people look over their shoulder. If you pick someone, you’ve got to back them in for a couple of Tests.”