MARK STONEMAN’S form fell away alarmingly in the second half of the Ashes series.
And it can probably all be traced back to when he sustained a terrible blow to the helmet from Josh Hazlewood during the Third Test in Perth.
Stoneman was dismissed soon afterwards and his scores in his next four innings have been 3, 15, 24 and 0.
The duck arrived on day four of the Fifth Test when he was given out lbw to Mitchell Starc as England attempted to save the match and avoid a 4-0 series thrashing.
After consulting with Alastair Cook, Stoneman reviewed but to no avail.
The ball was hitting the stumps.
Nobody – apart from Stoneman himself, perhaps – can know for sure if his barren streak is linked to being whacked on the lid. If not, it is certainly a coincidence.
It means Stoneman’s place at the top of the order comes under the microscope. He is likely to stay in the side for the two-Test series in New Zealand in March and April because England have spent five years trying to find a partner for Alastair Cook.
OVER AND OUT Ashes 2017-18: England facing 4-0 defeat after hitting 93-4 on day four of fifth Test
Mark Stoneman was given out lbw to Mitchell Starc
They won’t want to change openers again but there is no doubt Stoneman has found it difficult to deal with the hammering he has received from the Aussie fast bowlers.
With five Tests in such quick succession, it is a relentlessly tough job to face such a quality and quick attack.
And Stoneman was even battered while fielding here.
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He spent much of Australia’s huge first innings fielding at short leg to Moeen Ali and Mason Crane.
There was plenty of wayward bowling and Stoneman must have feared for his safety at times.
He was struck on the shin, ankle and backside. Not much fun – especially when a few minutes later you are back out in the middle having 90mph thunderbolts aimed at your head.
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