Michael Atherton warns England’s Ashes defeat to Australia will stay with them for a long time.
Michael Atherton believes England’s heavy Ashes defeat in Australia will stay with the team for a long time.
The former captain said Ben Stokes’ side “did not give themselves the best chance to succeed” after losing the series 4–1 in just 11 days of cricket.
Michael Atherton’s warning over England’s preparation and approach
Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Michael Atherton described the magnitude of England’s errors as a failure in both preparation and execution.
He added that the team’s lack of discipline and poor readiness cost them the opportunity to capitalise on Australia’s weaknesses.
“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.”
Atherton also questioned whether the team’s current approach under Brendon McCullum still fits the players at their disposal.
“When Stokes and McCullum came in, it was post-Covid and everyone was ready for the liberation they provided.
“But the team is at a different stage now, where you have young players who need to learn about playing hard, winning cricket.”
“I gave the example of Sir Alastair Cook coming in as an assistant or whatever to drive up standards,” he said.
Nasser Hussain highlights England’s missed chances
Fellow Sky Sports pundit Nasser Hussain said Australia’s control and consistency were the difference throughout the series. Hussain criticised England’s shot selection and lack of ruthlessness in key moments.
“England had their moments but were unable to capitalise on them,” he said. “They have played catch-up cricket and played shots that have really cost them, shots director of cricket Rob Key called ‘dumb.’”
The ECB confirmed that “necessary changes” will be made following the 4–1 defeat, but both McCullum and managing director Rob Key are expected to remain in their roles.
England have now lost 14 of their last 28 Tests, with only one victory in Australia in the past 15 years.
Read More: What forced James Anderson to channel his inner Roy Keane after the Ashes
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