Former England captain Michael Atherton believes England’s humiliating 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia will stay with Ben Stokes and the team for a long time. Atherton feels the tour exposed serious problems in England’s preparation and planning.
Highlighting England’s mistakes, Atherton said the players would be left with lasting regret.
“For me, it’s the magnitude of the errors. I don’t think there is any worse thing for an athlete to feel than not giving yourself the best chance to succeed, whether that is through preparation or how you played. England have not given themselves the best chance to be at their best and that will haunt them in years to come. Pat Cummins has played one game, Josh Hazlewood none, Nathan Lyon one and a half, plus you have three of Australia’s top five averaging in the mid-20s,” Atherton said on the Sky Sports podcast.
England were under pressure after losing the first three Tests in Perth. The Brisbane and Adelaide Tests finished in just 11 days. Their limited preparation, very aggressive style of cricket, along with the mid-series break in Noosa, was heavily criticised. After the Boxing Day Test win in Melbourne raised their hopes, England could not carry that form into the final Test and lost in Sydney to confirm the 4-1 series defeat.
Atherton also feels England’s team approach now needs to change.
“When Stokes and McCullum came in, it was post-Covid, and everyone was ready for the liberation they provided,” Atherton said.
He further suggested bringing Sir Alastair Cook into the set-up and added, “With the team at a different phase, it might need a different approach from the coaching staff. I gave the example of Sir Alastair Cook coming in as an assistant or whatever to drive up standards.”
Also Read: McCullum Ready to Adapt After England’s Ashes Humbling
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