Overview:
The last time England lifted the Ashes was in 2015 in familiar conditions. From the following cycle onward, Australia have dominated the contest, securing the urn on four successive occasions.
Michael Vaughan did not hold back as England’s Ashes campaign failed to impress on Australian soil. A defeat margin of 82 runs in the clash at Adelaide confirmed a fourth straight series setback, giving Pat Cummins’ men a 3-0 advantage and the Ashes series.
Michael Vaughan slammed the players after the setback, arguing that England’s methods have been exposed by Australia. He went on to say that their bravado in recent seasons has turned the global cricket fraternity against them.
“England’s overall mindset has been completely laid bare on this Ashes trip, and history tells you that defeats of this magnitude usually bring serious fallout. With the series effectively done inside 11 days, this ranks as the most painful tour of Australia I can recall. Their outspoken confidence over the last three years has rubbed much of the cricketing world the wrong way, and this campaign has served as a sobering reality check,” Vaughan wrote in his Telegraph column.
“Australia are having a chuckle at England’s expense. Given the talent available, the lack of resilience has been staggering. For four years, this group has been told that their method would succeed in Australian conditions, and I’ve never understood why. Every side I’ve watched triumph here has done so by putting in the hard work, wearing opponents down, and operating with a relentless, disciplined attack. England have shown none of that,” he added.
The setback in Adelaide also stretched England’s barren run on Australian pitches to four consecutive Tests. Their last success dates back to 2011, when a side led by Andrew Strauss held on to the Ashes with a 3-1 win.
What has followed since that famous tour is a prolonged struggle, marked by heavy losses and rain-hit stalemates rather than victories. With two matches still scheduled, England have a final opportunity to push back against a damaging run that has defined their time in Australia.
The last time England lifted the Ashes was in 2015 in familiar conditions. From the following cycle onward, Australia have dominated the contest, securing the urn on four successive occasions.