England face savage criticism after eight-wicket defeat in Perth, with former greats calling their batting “brainless” and “damaged.”
ENGLAND woke to savage criticism after their meek capitulation in the first Ashes Test, branded “brainless” and “damaged” by former greats.
Ben Stokes’s men lost the opening battle by eight wickets inside two days after multiple batting collapses.
Travis Head slammed a sensational 69-ball century to seal Australia’s comprehensive victory.
Since last winning an Ashes series in Australia 15 years ago, England have now lost 14 Tests, drawn two and won none Down Under.
The tourists had a perfect opportunity to snap their dire streak in Perth.
After reaching 160-5, they lost five wickets for 12 runs to be bowled out for 172 on day one.
They regained some advantage by dismissing Australia for 132 in response.
England were on track for a big lead at 65-1 in their second innings before throwing away five quick wickets.
Australia chased down the 205 target with ease to take a 1-0 series lead.
Leading into Perth, Stokes had called former players criticising England’s build-up “has-beens.”
“Well, from this has-been the message is simple: when you keep throwing away Test matches by doing the same stupid things, it is impossible to take you seriously,” batting great Geoffrey Boycott said.
“They never learn, because they never listen to anyone outside their own bubble.”
“Brainless batting and bowling lost England the match.”
Former captain Michael Vaughan suggested the manner of the loss will leave mental scars.
“This is going to hurt England, it’s going to damage them I think,” he told broadcasters.
“You can’t be competitive without brains.”
Stokes admitted the team was “shell-shocked” after the defeat.
He and coach Brendon McCullum face a big job to lift their players for the second Test.
“When we get to Brisbane we need to be back up to that mindset of how we came into this game,” Stokes said.
“It’s crucial not be taking any baggage from this result into Brisbane.”
England face an ominous task in Brisbane where they have won just twice since World War II.
Another former captain Nasser Hussain is not yet ready to throw in the towel.
“They need to remember they played a lot of good cricket in this game,” Hussain told Sky Sports.
“It is a mountain to climb for England but they have a lot of character and a captain with a lot of character.” – AFP
