The Ashes is one of the most anticipated sporting events in the world. A timeless tradition, the 2025/26 series was set to be one of the hottest in years after Australia had maintained a strong grip on the urn since reclaiming it in 2021/2022.
But for all the hype, cricket purists would be disappointed by what the series has delivered.
England's best team since 2010/11
The English past players and the media were very vocal in the lead-up to the series, with many claiming they were coming out to Australia with their best team since 2010/11 - the last time they won the Ashes in Australia.
Former Australian Captain Ricky Ponting echoed these claims when speaking on Mark Bouris' Straight Talk. When asked whether England were arriving with their best side since 2010, Ponting replied that it “100 per cent is”.
With the best two batsmen in the world and a lightning-quick bowling attack led by Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, cricket fans had every right to expect an enthralling series.
Furthermore, many pundits were happy to criticise the strength of the Australian team. Speaking to SEN before the series, former English paceman Stuart Broad made his thoughts on the current Australian side clear: "You wouldn't be outlandish in thinking – it's actually not an opinion, it's a fact – it's probably the worst Australian team since 2010 when England last won. And it's the best English team since 2010."
For all the hype around England's team, cricket fans have every right to feel let down by their lack of fight, falling to a 3-0 defeat in just 11 days of play across the first three Tests.
Australia's dominance
Australia's dominance has been undeniable. Their execution, adaptability and ability to stand up under pressure have been far superior to their counterparts. They have been far better equipped to succeed in Australian conditions.
As impressive as the Aussies have been, complete dominance doesn't always make for compelling theatre. With a pair of eight-wicket wins and an 82-run victory in the first three tests, England were uncompetitive for large parts when the series remained alive. To make matters worse, England finally showed some fight in Melbourne and Sydney, with the series all but gone.
With the final two Tests largely meaningless, the tension traditionally associated with an Ashes series has been absent.
England's poor preparation
There has been a lot made of the English side's preparation before the first Test in Perth. Despite coach Brendon McCullum claiming his team was "overprepared," it has become evident they got it very wrong in the lead-up to the series.
From August until the start of the series, Australia's bowlers sent down 538 overs in first-class cricket. In comparison, England bowled just 66 overs, all by Gus Atkinson.
There were also plenty made of their decision to play their lone practice match at Lilac Hill in Western Australia. It was played on a low and slow wicket, a far cry from the fast and bouncy wickets presented at Optus Stadium and the Gabba. The English batsman looked all at sea in the opening two Tests, and their poor preparation must be to blame.
You get the feeling a venue such as the WACA would have been a far more appropriate venue for a practice game.
Two-day Tests
The disappointment has been compounded by how quickly the matches have been decided. Two Tests finishing inside two days have provided brief excitement, but it takes away from what Test cricket is meant to be.
There has been little opportunity for momentum to shift or pressure to build over time, with some matches being decided in a handful of sessions rather than across five days. Aggressive pitch preparation, combined with England's Bazball approach, has made the end product feel rushed and unsatisfying.
Test cricket is designed to reward patience, but when matches are effectively over before they are given a chance to develop, the spectacle is lost.
Injury concerns
Injuries have further diluted the contest. Australia's attack was not at full strength once throughout the series. Pat Cummins featured only once, Josh Hazlewood didn't play at all, and Nathan Lyon was sidelined in Adelaide after a hamstring injury.
England's pace depth was similarly compromised. Mark Wood featured in just one Test, while Archer managed only three. The result was a series where fans were denied the best players competing against each other.
Lack of spin
Another deflating aspect of this Ashes series has been the absence of spin. Spin has traditionally been a crucial element of Test cricket, particularly later in matches when the pitch deteriorates, but it has been almost irrelevant this series.
England have not selected a specialist spinner once, while Australia left out Nathan Lyon in Brisbane. It was the first time since 2012 that Nathan Lyon was left out for a Test match on home soil. In the final Test at the SCG, a venue long regarded as Australia's most spin-friendly wicket, neither side fielded a frontline spinner.
The absence of spin has been a sad sight, highlighting just how far this series has moved away from traditional Test cricket.
