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England suffer humiliating Ashes defeat at Gabba
England's hopes of reclaiming the Ashes were shattered after a crushing second Test loss to Australia in Brisbane, leaving the series realistically beyond reach after just six days of play.
The defeat marks England's eighth loss in their last 15 Tests and their 10th in 14 away matches, raising serious questions about the sustainability of their aggressive Bazball approach under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.
Series all but over as Australia assert dominance
With Australia leading 2-0, England face an uphill battle to avoid a third consecutive Ashes series defeat on Australian soil. No team has ever come back from 2-0 down to win the Ashes, and Australia have not lost three consecutive home Tests in 38 years.
"Realistically, albeit not mathematically, this Ashes series is over," analysts noted, as Australia's reserve bowlers dismantled England's batting lineup with ease. Usman Khawaja, playing with a back injury, and Steve Smith, who spent time revising Monty Panesar's Mastermind answers, further underscored England's struggles.
Batting collapse exposes England's tactical flaws
England's batting was the primary culprit, with a series of reckless shots leading to a barrage of edges and catches. The team's insistence on playing an aggressive, one-size-fits-all style came under fire, particularly after assistant coach Marcus Trescothick defended their approach.
"We are trying to play the way we want to play. You have to have a style of play you stick to, don't you?"
Marcus Trescothick, England assistant coach
In contrast, Australia's adaptability was highlighted by Smith, who described their strategy as "playing the game in real time" rather than adhering to rigid plans.
Scott Boland, who bowled more deliveries in the second Test than England's top three batters combined, remarked: "They always play their shots. If we put as many balls in the right areas, they're going to give you some chances."
Defensive woes and selection gambles add to England's woes
England's bowling attack, touted as their strongest in decades, managed just one productive session. Spinner Shoaib Bashir, selected specifically for the tour, has yet to make his debut, while wicketkeeper Jamie Smith appeared overwhelmed by the occasion.
With no specialist backup keeper or opener, England's bench strength looks alarmingly thin. Jacob Bethell, the only reserve batter, has spent much of the year on hiatus but managed a half-century for the England Lions. Meanwhile, Australia can call upon Nathan Lyon, who boasts 562 Test wickets, while England's spin options remain limited.
Leadership under scrutiny as pressure mounts
Stokes and McCullum, both under contract until 2027, faced criticism for their handling of the team's mentality. Stokes' post-match comments-"A dressing room that I am captain of is not a place for weak men"-drew particular attention, raising concerns about the team's culture.
McCullum's admission that England "trained too much" further fueled debate about their preparation. With public sentiment turning hostile, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officials Richard Gould and Richard Thompson will likely face pressure to address the team's direction.
What's next for England?
England now face a daunting task to salvage pride in the remaining Tests. The third Test in Adelaide begins in over a week, offering little respite for a team in disarray. A 5-0 whitewash remains a possibility, which would cement this as England's worst Ashes tour in modern history.
As Trescothick put it: "You have to have a style of play you stick to." The question now is whether England's style is fit for purpose-or if it's time for a reckoning.
