What's happened
Australia maintains a commanding 3-0 lead in the Ashes after defeating England by 82 runs in Adelaide. Key players like Pat Cummins and Steve Smith are returning, while England faces ongoing struggles with preparation and performance. The series continues with two tests remaining, with Australia poised to retain the urn.
What's behind the headline?
The current state of the Ashes series reveals Australia's clear dominance, driven by experienced players returning from injury and a well-organized team strategy. England's repeated failures highlight deeper issues, including poor preparation, tactical errors, and off-field distractions. The series underscores the importance of team discipline and mental resilience in Test cricket. Australia’s ability to adapt and capitalize on England’s weaknesses suggests they will likely retain the urn, with the remaining two Tests serving as opportunities for England to salvage some pride. The series also exposes the gap between expectations and reality for England, emphasizing the need for structural improvements in their approach to overseas Tests.
What the papers say
AP News reports that Australia’s Pat Cummins and Steve Smith are returning for the remaining Tests, boosting their chances of series victory. BBC News highlights England’s ongoing struggles, including poor preparation and tactical errors, which have led to their 3-0 series deficit. Reuters emphasizes Australia’s consistent performance and veteran presence, while Al Jazeera notes the series’ significance in the context of Australia’s dominance and England’s decline. Business Insider UK discusses the series’ broader implications, including the importance of preparation and mental resilience in Test cricket, and the challenges faced by England’s squad in adapting to Australian conditions.
How we got here
The Ashes series in 2025-26 has been marked by Australia's dominance, winning the first three Tests convincingly. England's poor pre-series preparation, injuries, and off-field issues have contributed to their struggles. The series was seen as a chance for England to reclaim the urn, but Australia’s strong performance has dashed those hopes. Key Australian players like Pat Cummins and Steve Smith have returned from injuries, boosting their chances of victory.
Go deeper
- What are the main reasons behind Australia's strong performance?
- How is England planning to turn things around?
- What are the key players to watch in the remaining Tests?
Common question
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Why is England struggling in the Ashes series?
The ongoing Ashes series has seen England facing a tough challenge against Australia, with a series deficit that has left fans and experts questioning what’s gone wrong. From poor preparation to injuries and team discipline issues, there are many factors behind England’s struggles. Curious about the reasons behind their performance and what it means for the future of English cricket? Keep reading to find out more about this high-stakes rivalry and what’s next for both teams.
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Why Do International Sports and Political Crises Often Collide?
International sports events frequently intersect with political and social issues, leading to conflicts, protests, and debates. From fan misconduct to geopolitical tensions, these overlaps raise questions about the role of sports in society. How do conflicts like those in Gaza impact global sports? Can sports influence peace efforts? Explore these questions and more below.
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Will Australia Win the Ashes Series 2025-26?
Australia currently leads the Ashes series 3-0, with two tests remaining. Fans and cricket enthusiasts are wondering if Australia can secure the series victory and retain the urn. With key players returning and Australia’s strong performance so far, the question remains: will they clinch the win? Below, we explore the series status, key players, England’s chances, and what this means for cricket rankings.
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