‘Change of tack’ key to England’s revival before Australia decider

When an England side last set foot on the sacred sporting turf of the Sydney Cricket Ground during last winter’s Ashes, Jimmy Anderson blocked out the final over to ensure a gripping draw. It was a rare moment of visiting relief, with the series long gone. Win or lose on Saturday, their rugby union cousins will be returning home with appreciably more to show from their Australian tour experience.

From a purely red rose perspective, though, the Ella-Mobbs Cup decider is a keynote contest for a couple of reasons. Clearly there is a desire to end a long season on an upbeat note by securing a morale-enhancing series victory, a distant prospect less than a fortnight ago. To do so with a matchday squad featuring three 21-year-olds and two 19-year-olds would further hint at a corner finally being turned.

Perhaps as importantly it would also legitimise the fresh approach, instigated by the players, that has significantly lightened the mood in and around the camp. On this trip, for example, there has been no training beyond midday with players encouraged to switch off and enjoy themselves rather than constantly being under the thumbs of a stern-faced management.

If England were currently 2-0 down and had spent the past week sulking in the rain in Coogee this more relaxed, less-is-more vibe might have been on borrowed time. Instead the sun is now out and the initiative seems to be bearing fruit, the initial seeds having been planted by Ellis Genge as long ago as last summer when the current skipper Courtney Lawes and others were away on the British & Irish Lions tour.

As vice-captain for the home summer Tests against the United States and Canada, Genge sought to persuade Eddie Jones that the squad needed a “change of tack” to