England fans were urged to “keep the faith” by manager Brendon McCullum after the tourists lost to the Ashes on Sunday in Perth, with the head coach backing Zac Crawley following the opening game.
For the first time since 1921, an Ashes Test was completed within two days, with England suffering a crushing defeat at the Optus Stadium, with the away side suffering a stunning batting collapse in both innings.
The second Test will be played day and night in Brisbane and begins on December 4.
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Sky Sports’ Stuart Broad was stunned when Mitchell Starc took the wicket of Joe Root during England’s second-day batting collapse in Perth. (Photo @7Cricket)
“It’s very disappointing, not just for us, but for all the fans who came here and supported us,” McCallum said.
“I’m going to keep the faith. We have a talented group, we believe in each other and the level is quite high.
“That doesn’t mean it won’t hurt, but the best way to get back in shape is to do what you’ve always done under pressure and keep moving towards your goals.”
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Sky Sports pundit Nasser Hussain reflects on how England were bashed by Travis Head in Perth and how they will be ‘bashed’ by the media from now on
“We’re going to head to Brisbane with big hopes and high expectations and see where we are.
“We can’t carry this result forward. We’ve been trying to prevent things from going wrong for some time.
“For us, connection and camaraderie is something we pride ourselves on, and we will need that in the coming days.”
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Nassar and fellow Sky Sports pundit Michael Atherton were heckled by fans while recording the Ashes review podcast on Saturday.
McCullum expects a ‘counterattack’ from Crowley
Crawley registered the first pair of England openers since Michael Atherton, who drove Mitchell Starc into one over in both innings at Johannesburg in 1999, with a Test average below 31.
The right-handed pitcher pitched 109 innings in 60 Tests, recording single-digit ejections 44 times.
McCullum added: “We believe he’s a quality player. Especially against this type of opponent in these conditions, how many pitches did he face? 10 or 11? He got an easy exit, but we believe in Zac.”
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Sky Sports’ Michael Atherton and Hussain discuss how England will bounce back from their shock two-day defeat to Australia
“He’s been in this group for a long time. The (opening) combination with Ben Duckett and Zack put us in the best shape possible. And I expect to see a strong fightback from Zack for some time to come.”
“Sometimes you can get away cheaply, right? I wish he didn’t, but that’s life. If he gets away, some damage will be done.”
Former England seamer Stuart Broad told the Sky Sports Cricket podcast that Crawley was “devastated” and would be in a “horrible situation” following the Perth Test result.
Ashes Series in Australia 2025-26
UK and Ireland all the time
1st test (Perspective – 21st to 25th November): Australia defeats England by 8 wickets 2nd Test (day/night): Thursday 4th December to Monday 8th December (4am) – The Gabba, Brisbane 3rd Test : Wednesday 17 December – Sunday 21 December (11:30pm) – Adelaide Oval Fourth Test: Thursday 25 December – Monday 29 December (11:30pm) – Melbourne Cricket Ground 5th Test: Sunday 4 January to Thursday 8 January (11:30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground
