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It’s Martin
On the second day of power in the city called churchesfaith seemed to have evaporated. Faith in technology is, of course, a sentiment shared by all players. But in England there was a big loss of faith in their attacking philosophy after their systematic elimination by Australia.
This could be the day England spoke with the bat in the Ashes series. It was a 40C (104F) oven that was between the bowls, the wind equivalent of a hair dryer. And the pitch, which was very dry, lacked the bounce that proved England’s downfall in disappointing defeats in Perth and Brisbane.
And yet at stumps, they had climbed to 213 for eight from 68 overs, still 158 behind, and Australia’s 3-0 scoreline had increased. Ben Stokes They were not out on 45 after three hours of opposition but only one captain shone with authority. Pat Cummins led a wonderful display of bowling by the hosts with figures of three for 54 in a strong comeback.
Indeed, for all the talk of England’s problems with the bat – and the perception now seems to be collapsing – the biggest difference was with the ball. Even the essential men missing in Australia have been increasing and now, even though the temperature has decreased, they have stuck their visitors in long and difficult lines, removing any movement that has been offered.
Introduction
Never mind the Christmas Test and the Boxing Day Test, the 2025-26 Ashes has become synonymous with New Year’s Eve cricket. We’ve all been there, when the anticipation of a great night gives way to the reality of an anti-climax and conflict. Given that every New Year’s Eve/England trip to Australia tends to follow the same pattern, we were too naive to think this would be any different.
This should be in the middle of the list, on the third day of the third Test. It should have been 1-1, with both teams fighting for dominance in Adelaide. In fact Australia are on the verge of going 3-0 up with two matches to play for the sixth time in the series from the last seven home games. Or, to put it another way, it’s 10pm on New Year’s Eve, the party is going out but you’re stuck talking to a magician with a kazoo and a bottle of 12% ABV medicine. Also change the change.
England resume at 213 for 8, still 158 runs behind, after succumbing to ruthless and legal play from Australia on day two. They have recovered from some of the toughest times in baseball, especially at Edgbaston in 2022but that was before their spirits were crushed by the unique challenges of an Ashes tour – and the impossible odds of beating Australia on their patch.
