SOUTH AFRICA’S former Test coach Graham Ford believes England will have to dig deep into their reserves of mental strength if they are to bounce back in today’s second Ashes Test in Adelaide.

Out-played, out-manoeuvred and out-battled in Brisbane to the point of humiliation, England have finished licking their wounds and holding inquests after their 277-run Gabba reverse.

Now Ford, Kent’s director of cricket, will be watching closely for an overall response from the England squad and some signs as to their strength of character.

Ford said: "The way the England lads react to the loss is critical. Their response to losing the Lord’s Test in 2005 was fantastic, but can they muster that sort of spirit and fight out in Australia?

"They have some good strong characters in Flintoff, Pietersen, Hoggard, Strauss, Collingwood and their coach Duncan Fletcher, so hopefully they can generate the necessary confidence, belief and spirit."