England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia has left the Test side at a crossroads. Australia wrapped up the series on January 8 at the SCG, chasing 160 to win the fifth Test and underlining how far England have to travel to win down under. With the ECB launching a thorough review, the next few months will shape what’s next.
The mood around England’s Test team and their chances moving forwards are reflected outside the camp, with the media, experts, former players, and even sports betting lacking belief across the board. So, there’s work to do to flip expectations.
What The Scoreline Really Said
A 4-1 result can hide detail, yet this series offered a pattern: England’s best cricket came in bursts, Australia’s came in blocks. Mitchell Starc (31 wickets) set the tone, while Travis Head’s 629 runs pinned England. England did have pillars, Joe Root led their runs, and Harry Brook showed class, but too often the supporting acts failed to cash in.
The biggest gaps were basics: fielding standards, shot selection under pressure, and the inability to slow games down when the momentum turned. These are controllable, which is both the bad news and the opportunity.
Keep The Identity, Sharpen The Method
Bazball doesn’t have to be scrapped to be improved. England’s attacking intent raises their ceiling, but in Australia, they lacked a second gear; periods of containment with the ball, and more selective aggression with the bat. That comes from clearer roles. When pitches offer movement, value time at the crease is as much as scoring rate; when the ball goes soft, default to control before searching for magic.
Stokes and McCullum’s post-Ashes test is whether they can evolve. The review should prioritise tour preparation, specialist fielding work, and game management under pressure.
Selection: Pick A Core And Stick With It
England should use 2026 to decide who takes them into the World Test Championship matches that matter the most. Root remains the anchor, but the batting group needs a settled opening partnership and a reliable No. 3 & 4 combination that can absorb new-ball spells. If incumbents can’t deliver away from home, England must be decisive for stability.
With the ball, Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue emerged with credit. The next step is balance, a pace trio supported by an attack-minded spinner who can hold an end when conditions don’t scream turn. Depth with the bat also matters; collapses turned competitive positions into chases like the 160 at Sydney.
The 2026 Targets: Win At Home, Improve Away
England’s Test future is tied to the World Test Championship. Home series in 2026, including Tests against New Zealand and Pakistan, are chances to rebuild confidence and bank wins. Treat them as non-negotiables: dominate in England, then make measurable strides abroad.
There’s also a longer-term incentive, the WTC final is scheduled for Lord’s in 2027. England should be planning not just to qualify, but to arrive with a team built to win in their own conditions.
Conclusion
In the coming weeks and months, England should look to raise their fielding to the level of Australia. Increasing red-ball preparation before tours via warm-ups and A-team cricket should become part of the blueprint. There should also be a determination to find and back a consistent team through 2026. If they can do all this, they can recover, learn and improve on the back of their Ashes failure.
