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England reshuffle leadership amid Ashes crisis
England have promoted batsman Harry Brook to vice-captain for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, as the touring side faces mounting pressure after losing the series 2-0 to Australia. The decision comes as criticism grows over the team's preparation and performance in the first two matches.
Hindsight exposes flaws in England's Ashes build-up
In retrospect, England's warm-up strategy for the Ashes appears increasingly questionable. Key decisions-such as not selecting a specialist opener after Zak Crawley's 2024 injury, hesitating over batting positions for Ollie Pope and Jacob Bethell, and omitting a backup wicketkeeper or second spinner-have drawn scrutiny. Former fielding coach Paul Collingwood's absence and the placement of fast bowler Brydon Carse in a Perth hotel adjacent to a casino, just 18 months after his betting ban, have also raised eyebrows.
The team's mid-series break in Noosa has yet to prove its worth, with some comparing it to England's infamous 2006 World Cup retreat in Baden Baden.
Stokes and McCullum face leadership test
Captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, architects of England's aggressive "Bazball" approach, now confront the consequences of their high-risk strategy. After a crushing defeat in Brisbane, Stokes acknowledged the Adelaide Test as the most pivotal of his captaincy. Yet, his rhetoric has shifted-from "removing pressure" to embracing it-amid growing unease over the team's resilience.
"We're enjoying the pressure now," Stokes told BBC Sport on Tuesday. "This is what Test cricket is about."
Critics argue the team's culture, built on positivity and fearless cricket, may have shielded players from the realities of elite competition. With the exception of Stokes, Joe Root, and Jofra Archer, every squad member owes their England career to the Bazball era-a system they've known no other way to navigate.
Veterans carry burden as young players falter
England's reliance on Stokes and Root has become glaring. Root, the only centurion of the tour, and Stokes, the sole five-wicket haul taker, have been let down by their teammates. Vice-captain Brook, elevated to the role ahead of Adelaide, has struggled to justify his promotion, describing his dismissals in Perth and Brisbane as "shocking."
Other key players have underperformed. Ollie Pope (63 Tests) and Zak Crawley (61 Tests) have yet to mature into consistent performers, while Ben Duckett's fielding errors and lack of runs have raised concerns. Archer, recalled for his pace, has more losses than wins in his 17 Tests-a worrying trend for a side desperate for his firepower.
Adelaide Test a make-or-break moment
With temperatures forecast to reach 39°C in Adelaide, England's task is daunting. A victory would keep the series alive, offering a lifeline to retain the Ashes in Melbourne. Defeat, however, could spell the end for several careers, with selectors likely to reassess the squad's future.
Stokes and McCullum have urged the team to "play like grown-ups," a plea for accountability after weeks of mixed messages. The question remains: is it too late for England to salvage their Ashes campaign?
