Did England Just Lose the Ashes? Discover the Five Key Charts!

Australia has retained the Ashes after an impressive 3-0 lead over England, demonstrating a dominant performance throughout the series. As England faces the last two Tests with little more than pride at stake, an examination of the statistics reveals the key factors behind England's struggles in this challenging tour down under.

Last updated: 21 November 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

Following a decisive victory in Adelaide, Australia has cemented its lead in the Ashes series, leaving England in a difficult position as they prepare for the remaining matches in Melbourne and Sydney. The stark contrast in performances between the two teams is evident, with Australia showcasing a formidable batting lineup and effective bowling strategies, while England grapples with inconsistency and tactical shortcomings.

Key takeaways

Australia leads the Ashes series 3-0, having secured victories in the first three Tests.
England's batting averages are significantly lower than Australia's, highlighting their struggles at the crease.
Australia's aggressive batting and effective bowling have put England under pressure throughout the series.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline of key events in the Ashes series so far:

8 December 2025: First Test begins in Perth; England dismisses Australia for 132.
10 December 2025: Australia wins the first Test in just two days.
17 December 2025: Second Test starts at the Gabba; England struggles with dropped catches.
20 December 2025: Australia secures victory in the second Test.
26 December 2025: Third Test commences in Adelaide; Australia continues its dominant form.
29 December 2025: Australia wins the third Test, retaining the Ashes.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent analyses indicate that England's batting performance has not improved, with key players like Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope struggling to find form. Additionally, Australia's bowlers have consistently outperformed England's, leading to a higher wicket-taking rate and better fielding success.

What was already established

Before the series, there were concerns about Australia's top order, yet they have significantly outperformed expectations. England's aggressive batting style, termed 'Bazball', has not translated into success, as shown by their lower run rate compared to Australia.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing Ashes series can affect UK cricket fans and households through various channels, including increased viewership and engagement with cricket-related products and services. As England's performance continues to falter, fan sentiment may shift, impacting merchandise sales and viewership ratings.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses linked to cricket, from merchandise to hospitality, may see fluctuations based on England's performance. A poor showing could lead to decreased consumer spending in cricket-related areas. Conversely, a competitive series could boost local enterprises in areas surrounding the venues for the remaining matches.

Policy and regulation

While cricket is predominantly governed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the performance of the national team can prompt discussions around sports policy, funding, and support for grassroots cricket to improve future competitiveness on the world stage.

Numbers that matter

3-0: Australia's lead in the Ashes series against England.
41.6: Average runs scored by Australia's top three batters.
24.2: Average runs scored by England's top three batters.
4.34: Australia's run rate compared to England's 3.78.
32: Wickets taken by Australia in the first 30 overs of an innings at an average of 22.8.

Definitions and jargon buster

Bazball: A term used to describe England's aggressive style of play under head coach Brendon McCullum.
Good length: A bowling term referring to deliveries that land ideally between the batsman’s front and back foot, typically 5-7m from the stumps.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

With two Tests remaining, England needs to reassess their strategies and player performance. Potential changes in the batting order and bowling tactics could be on the cards as they seek to improve their competitive edge.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-Ashes, the focus will shift to domestic competitions and the upcoming international fixtures. England must evaluate player performances and make necessary adjustments to build a stronger team for future challenges.

Signals to watch

Performance metrics of key players in the remaining Tests.
Changes in team selection and strategy for domestic matches.
Fan engagement levels and merchandise sales trends.

Practical guidance

Do

Support local businesses by purchasing cricket-related merchandise.
Engage with cricket communities for updates and discussions.

Don’t

Let disappointment with team performance overshadow enjoyment of the sport.
Ignore the significance of grassroots cricket for future talent development.

Checklist

Stay updated on player performances in the remaining Tests.
Follow discussions around team strategy changes.
Engage with local cricket clubs and initiatives.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The uncertain aspects of the remaining Tests include potential changes in player form, weather conditions affecting play, and tactical adjustments made by both teams. England's current trajectory suggests they need drastic improvements to avoid further losses, but cricket can be unpredictable, and a shift in momentum is always possible.

Bottom line

As Australia retains the Ashes with a commanding lead, England faces critical decisions regarding their squad and strategy for the remainder of the series. The focus now shifts to how they can salvage pride and build for the future, with a need for reflection on their current approach and execution in the game.

FAQs

What does it mean for England now that they have lost the Ashes?

England must focus on improving player performance and strategy in the remaining Tests to restore pride and prepare for future competitions.

How can England improve their batting performance?

By reassessing their batting order and strategies, England can look to adapt their approach and enhance individual player performances moving forward.

What impact does losing the Ashes have on the team?

It can lead to scrutiny of team selections and strategies, prompting potential changes in personnel and approach for future series.