Australia have retained the Ashes after taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series with victory in the third Test in Adelaide. Scott Boland claimed the final wicket as England's resistance ended on the fifth day, sealing a win that leaves two matches still to play.
England, who needed a victory to keep the series alive, compiled the fourth-highest fourth-innings score at Adelaide Oval, but the effort proved insufficient. The defeat came after just 11 days of active Test cricket, with the team's campaign unravelling before the midpoint of the southern summer.
The manner of the loss has prompted criticism of England's approach under captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. Stokes was praised for his leadership, but McCullum admitted he was unsure how to prepare the team, offering abstract ideas rather than concrete plans.
Australia's bowling attack, supported by elite wicketkeeping and catching, has been the decisive factor in the series. England's batting has been exposed by a lack of tension and discipline, with questions raised about the team's preparation and recognition of the challenge.
Rob Key, the managing director of England men's cricket, appointed McCullum as head coach, but the decision has come under scrutiny as the team's performance has declined. Key, who has no prior administrative experience in such a role, has been questioned for hiring a like-minded, non-details-focused coach to oversee high performance.
