Mon Jan 05 04:30:00 UTC 2026: England’s Bowling Attack Decimated in Ashes Finale, Australia Takes Control
Sydney, Australia – Despite a resilient 160 from Joe Root, England’s hopes of salvaging pride in the final Ashes Test against Australia are dwindling as their bowling attack crumbled on Day 2 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Australia closed the day on 166-2 after 34.1 overs, with Travis Head (50*) and Marnus Labuschagne (74) building a solid partnership.
Former England spinner Phil Tufnell delivered a scathing assessment, rating the performance a “two out of 10” and questioning the bowlers’ basic ability to hit a consistent line and length. The England attack, missing key players due to injury and retirement, struggled to contain the Australian batsmen, offering too many short and wide deliveries that were easily dispatched for boundaries.
Brydon Carse, opening the bowling despite a poor first-class record in that role, and Matthew Potts, making his series debut, were particularly expensive. Australia’s scoring rate has been rapid throughout the series.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan criticized the team’s leadership, questioning the decision to persist with Carse as an opening bowler when his record is demonstrably poor. Concerns are now rising about the long-term strength of England’s bowling attack, with veteran players retiring and promising newcomers failing to live up to expectations. With Australia scoring at will, England faces a massive uphill battle to get back in the game.
First Piper 