Analysis of England's Failures in the Ashes 2025-26 Third Test at Adelaide Oval
Barney Ronay’s analysis in The Guardian of the Ashes 2025-26 third Test at Adelaide Oval highlights key reasons behind England’s struggles, focusing on two main issues: the Bazball approach and weak bowling.
Ollie Pope’s dismissal by Nathan Lyon for 3 runs after facing 10 balls before lunch exemplified his ongoing difficulties playing in Australia amid contrasting form. His Australia record is 17 runs from 15 innings, and his overall Test average is just under 32 against teams other than Zimbabwe and Ireland — raising questions about his place and development.
England were chasing 371 runs when Brook and Stokes staged a slow-paced partnership during the day-two chase. Stokes was hampered by cramps while Brook absorbed pressure.
The article portrays Pope as a symbol of the current English cricket regime and Bazball culture, criticizing the system for favouring privilege and failing to develop a broad range of batting options. County cricket is described as degraded, with runs undervalued for England selection and a talent identification system seen as fixated on a single alternative (Jacob Bethell) rather than expanding the pipeline.
There is a palpable sense that this series might mark an end for Pope’s tenure, and while a possible path back exists, the article argues that both his form and the current structural approach are fading under the pressures of England’s southern-summer cricket challenges.
