A despondent England cricket team has touched down in Melbourne, their Ashes dreams in tatters after suffering one of the most rapid series defeats in the contest's storied history. The tourists arrived with the series already lost, trailing Australia 3-0 after just 11 days of play, following an 82-run loss in Adelaide.
Contrasting Moods as Pressure Mounts on 'Bazball'
While Pat Cummins's Australian squad continued their celebrations, the atmosphere surrounding the English camp was grim. Captain Ben Stokes cut a frustrated and silent figure at Melbourne Airport, having previously admitted the team's goal of winning the urn was now "over." The pressure is intensifying on Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, with their aggressive 'Bazball' philosophy being ruthlessly exposed by an Australian side that has dominated in every department.
Scrutiny has followed England since they landed in Australia, with legends like Michael Vaughan, Ian Botham, and Geoffrey Boycott questioning their preparation. The defeat marks an 18-match winless streak for England in Australia, extending a miserable run that now spans 14 years.
Aussie Celebrations and Cheeky Jibes Continue
In stark contrast, the victorious Australians have been lapping up their success. Man of the moment Travis Head revealed plans for a "48-hour Ashes party" and was seen enjoying the festivities. The team also took a pointed dig at England's style and pre-tour bravado.
They shared an Instagram photo of Head and Cummins sharing a drink with the caption "Is it 2010 yet?" – a clear retort to Stuart Broad's claim that this was the worst Australian side in a decade. Furthermore, players were spotted wearing 'Ronball' t-shirts, a playful jab at 'Bazball' featuring a caricature of their coach Andrew 'Ronald' McDonald.
Questions Over Preparation and Mentality
The tour has been marred by controversy over England's activities away from the pitch, including golf outings and a mid-series break in Noosa. A BBC report suggested players were "out drinking for six days" after the second Test, a claim the ECB declined to comment on.
Even Australian great Glenn McGrath weighed in, suggesting England's problem was mental. He argued that instead of relishing the challenge of an Ashes tour, the English players talked it up as an ordeal, focusing on hostile crowds and conditions rather than the opportunity.
With the series lost, England's task is now one of salvaging pride in the remaining two Tests, starting with the Boxing Day clash at the MCG on Friday. However, with Australia having secured the urn in straight sets on home soil for a fourth consecutive time, the post-mortem into England's latest Ashes failure has already begun.
