Overview:
England cricket team briefly reignited belief with a two-day triumph in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, their first Test success in Australia in 15 years.
Michael Atherton feels England’s 4–1 Ashes setback in Australia will leave a lasting impact on the team led by Ben Stokes. He also believes Alastair Cook would be a strong addition to the England support group in an assistant coaching role.
The England cricket team had slipped to a 0–3 deficit in the first 11 days of play as the Australia cricket team controlled the opening three Tests in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. England’s limited build-up, highly attacking tactics, and a disputed mid-series break in Noosa, during which players were photographed socialising, attracted heavy scrutiny.
England cricket team briefly reignited belief with a two-day triumph in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, their first Test success in Australia in 15 years. That optimism faded quickly, though, as they were beaten in the deciding Test at Sydney on the final day, losing the series 1-4.
Atherton felt that poor planning lay at the heart of England’s difficulties, noting that the visitors were unable to make the most of Australia’s weak points or the unavailability of several important players.
“For me, it’s about how big those mistakes were. There’s nothing more damaging for a sportsperson than knowing you didn’t do everything possible to put yourself in the best position to succeed, whether that’s in preparation or in execution. England haven’t maximised their chances to perform at their highest level, and that sense of regret will linger for a long time. Australia, meanwhile, have barely needed their frontline attack. Pat Cummins has featured in just one match, Josh Hazlewood hasn’t played at all, Nathan Lyon has bowled in roughly one-and-a-half Tests, and three of Australia’s top five batters are averaging in the mid-20s,” Atherton said.
“When Stokes and Brendon McCullum took charge, it was in the aftermath of Covid, and there was a real appetite for the sense of freedom they introduced. The side was low on confidence at the time, and that release worked perfectly because the squad still had plenty of elite and world-class talent,” he added.
“But the squad has moved into a new phase now, with younger players who still have to learn how to compete intensely and win matches consistently. Given where the team stands, the coaching group may need to adjust its methods. That’s why I mentioned someone like Alastair Cook stepping in as an assistant, or in a similar role, to help raise expectations and standards.”