What's happened
As of December 28, 2025, England trails Australia 3-1 in the Ashes series with one Test remaining. England secured a rare win at Melbourne Cricket Ground, ending a 14-match losing streak in Australia, but the tour has been overshadowed by poor performances, off-field controversies including alleged excessive drinking during a Noosa break, and scrutiny on captain Ben Stokes' leadership and team welfare.
What's behind the headline?
England's Ashes Tour: A Study in Pressure and Performance
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On-field struggles: England's rare victory at the MCG was a significant morale boost, ending a 14-match losing streak in Australia. However, the overall series has exposed weaknesses in batting adaptability and team cohesion.
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Off-field controversies: The Noosa break, intended as a rest period, became a focal point for criticism due to reports of excessive drinking. This has intensified scrutiny on team discipline and professionalism.
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Leadership under fire: Ben Stokes has been portrayed as a 'tired, broken man' by former players but praised for his resilience in securing the Melbourne win. His focus on player welfare highlights the mental toll of the tour.
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'Bazball' questioned: The aggressive 'Bazball' style championed by coach Brendon McCullum and Stokes has been largely discredited during this tour, with calls for tactical reassessment.
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Future implications: The tour's failures will likely prompt a thorough review of England's preparation, leadership, and player management ahead of future Ashes and international fixtures.
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Fan perspective: Despite the poor results, supporters remain engaged, hoping for fight and resilience in the remaining matches.
This tour underscores the complex interplay between on-field performance, off-field behavior, and leadership in elite sport, with England's cricketing future in Australia at a critical juncture.
What the papers say
Sky News highlighted the emotional toll on captain Ben Stokes, describing him as a "tired, broken man" but commending his leadership in securing a crucial win at the MCG. Al Jazeera detailed the match dynamics, noting England's aggressive 'Bazball' approach faltered but ultimately led to a rare victory, while also reporting on the pitch conditions and Australia's performance. BBC News and Sky News extensively covered the off-field controversies, including the viral video of Ben Duckett appearing intoxicated during the Noosa break, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) pledging to investigate. Reuters and AP News provided insights into the management's stance, with England director Rob Key condemning excessive drinking and emphasizing the need for professionalism. Business Insider UK offered practical information on how fans worldwide can watch the Ashes, reflecting the global interest despite England's struggles. Arab News and Reuters also captured the psychological and tactical challenges faced by England, including Stokes' calls for mental resilience and McCullum's acknowledgment of tactical shortcomings. Together, these sources paint a comprehensive picture of a beleaguered England side grappling with performance, discipline, and leadership issues amid intense scrutiny.
How we got here
England arrived in Australia with high hopes to reclaim the Ashes after a 15-year drought. However, the team suffered heavy defeats in the first three Tests, with Australia dominating on the field. Between the second and third Tests, England players took a break in Noosa, which became controversial due to reports of excessive drinking. Captain Ben Stokes has faced intense media scrutiny while emphasizing player welfare amid the pressure.
Go deeper
- What led to the off-field drinking controversy during the Ashes tour?
- How has Ben Stokes responded to the media scrutiny and team performance?
- What impact will this Ashes series have on England's cricket leadership?
Common question
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What’s Really Going On With England’s Ashes Series and Player Conduct?
England’s recent cricket tour in Australia has been filled with controversy, poor results, and questions about player behavior. Fans and followers are wondering what caused the team’s struggles, what misconduct reports are emerging, and what this all means for England’s cricket reputation. Below, we explore the key issues shaping this turbulent series and answer the most common questions about England’s Ashes troubles.
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Why Is England Losing the Ashes Series?
England's ongoing Ashes series in Australia has taken a dramatic turn, with the team trailing 3-0 and facing mounting criticism. Fans and analysts are asking: what’s going wrong for England? Is it on-field performance, off-field behavior, or a combination of factors? Below, we explore the key issues impacting England’s cricket team and what the future might hold after these tough defeats.
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Why Is England's Ashes Tour in Australia Considered a Struggle?
England's current Ashes tour in Australia has been marked by significant challenges, including poor on-field performance, off-field controversies, and leadership scrutiny. Fans and analysts are asking why this series has been so difficult for England and what factors are influencing their results. Below, we explore the key reasons behind England's struggles, their rare win at Melbourne, and the impact of off-field issues on the team’s morale and performance.
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Recent elections and political upheavals across West Africa have raised many questions about regional stability, democracy, and security. From military coups to contested elections, understanding these events is crucial for grasping the broader implications for Africa and the world. Below, we explore common questions about this ongoing situation and what it means for the future.
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What Are the Biggest Sports and Entertainment Stories of December 2025?
December 2025 has been packed with major sports moments and blockbuster movie releases that are capturing global attention. From England's challenging Ashes tour to record-breaking box office hits, there's a lot happening in the world of sports and entertainment. Curious about the latest headlines and what they mean for fans worldwide? Keep reading for the top stories and answers to your burning questions.
More on these topics
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The England men's cricket team represents England and Wales in international cricket. Since 1997, it has been governed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), having been previously governed by Marylebone Cricket Club (the MCC) since 1903. England..
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Benjamin Andrew Stokes OBE is an English international cricketer and current vice-captain of the England cricket team in Test cricket. Stokes was part of the England squad that won the 2019 Cricket World Cup. In July 2020, Stokes captained the England tea
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Brendon Barrie McCullum ONZM is a New Zealand cricket coach, commentator and former cricketer, who played all formats, and also a former captain in all forms.
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Ben Matthew Duckett is an English cricketer who plays for Nottinghamshire. He is a left-handed batsman who can play as a wicket-keeper. He made his international debut for England in October 2016. Duckett has signed for the Brisbane Heat.
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Alex Carey may refer to:
Alex Carey (cricketer) (born 1991), Australian cricketer and former Australian rules footballer
Alex Carey (writer) (1922–1987), Australian political writer and social psychologist
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.
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The Ashes is a Test cricket series played between England and Australia. The Ashes are regarded as being held by the team that most recently won the series. If the series is drawn, the team that currently holds the Ashes retains the trophy.
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The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), also known locally as the 'G', is an Australian sports stadium located in Yarra Park, Melbourne, Victoria. Founded and managed by the Melbourne Cricket Club, it is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere, the...